Advanced Energy Industries (AEIS) 10-K 3 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

DEI_Parenthetical

DEI Parenthetical (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 27, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ADVANCED ENERGY INDUSTRIES INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000927003	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$644,615,835
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	41,021,691	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$138,125	$146,564
Marketable securities	11,568	25,683
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $2,920 and $4,589, respectively	125,782	83,914
Inventories, net of reserves of $15,349 and $14,629, respectively	109,771	81,482
Deferred income tax assets	10,746	19,477
Income taxes receivable	10,027	4,951
Other current assets	10,950	9,075
Total current assets	416,969	371,146
Property and equipment, net	34,888	39,523
OTHER ASSETS:	'	'
Deposits and other	2,421	7,529
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount	157,800	60,391
Other intangible assets, net	19,411	46,209
Deferred income tax assets	21,488	12,444
Total assets	652,977	537,242
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'
Accounts payable	55,623	41,044
Income taxes payable	2,324	8,131
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	12,892	11,675
Accrued warranty expense	10,198	7,419
Other accrued expenses	20,704	15,399
Customer Deposits And Deferred Revenue Current	6,955	2,080
Notes Payable, Current	13,661	0
Total current liabilities	122,357	85,748
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:	'	'
Deferred income tax liabilities	1,500	16,832
Uncertain tax positions	5,781	13,669
Accrued warranty expense	11,869	7,378
Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent	43,171	20,111
Other long-term liabilities	3,837	3,893
Total liabilities	188,515	147,631
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 1,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 70,000 shares authorized; 40,504 and 37,991 issued and outstanding, respectively	41	38
Additional paid-in capital	251,550	212,520
Retained earnings	179,414	147,328
Accumulated other comprehensive income	33,457	29,725
Total stockholders' equity	464,462	389,611
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$652,977	$537,242

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	$2,920,000	$4,589,000
Inventory, reserves	$15,349,000	$14,629,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,000	1,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	70,000,000	70,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	40,504,000	37,991,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	40,504,000	37,991,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
SALES	$547,004	$451,931	$516,799
COST OF SALES	336,868	284,185	311,642
GROSS PROFIT	210,136	167,746	205,157
OPERATING EXPENSES:	'	'	'
Research and development	58,314	58,076	64,984
Selling, general and administrative	84,662	69,127	79,722
Amortization of intangible assets	6,142	5,696	3,852
Restructuring charges	46,395	7,473	7,348
Total operating expenses	195,513	140,372	155,906
OPERATING INCOME	14,623	27,374	49,251
Interest Expense	-320	'	'
Investment Income, Interest	'	607	169
Other Income	-19	1,825	1,048
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	-339	2,432	1,217
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	14,284	29,806	50,468
Provision for income taxes	-17,802	9,630	13,614
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS, NET OF INCOME TAXES	32,086	20,176	36,854
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0	405	-540
NET INCOME	$32,086	$20,581	$36,314
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares)	39,597	38,879	43,465
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares)	40,667	39,447	43,954
CONTINUING OPERATIONS:	'	'	'
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (in dollars per share)	$0.81	$0.52	$0.85
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.79	$0.51	$0.84
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	'	'	'
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (in dollars per share)	$0	$0.01	($0.01)
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (in dollars per share)	$0	$0.01	($0.01)
NET INCOME:	'	'	'
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (in dollars per share)	$0.81	$0.53	$0.84
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (in dollars per share)	$0.79	$0.52	$0.83

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	$34,355	$687	($9,782)	$6,826	$4,849	$5,735	$8,928	$1,069	$32,086	$20,581	$36,314
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,733	1,188	1,474
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1	10	-21
Comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$35,818	$21,779	$37,767

Statement_of_Stockholders_Equi

Statement of Stockholders Equity (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	$464,462	$389,611	$464,462	$389,611	$409,319	$373,968
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	40,504,000	37,991,000	40,504,000	37,991,000	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	'	'	26,337	3,722	1,981	'
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	'	'	13,742	12,720	12,529	'
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation	'	'	-1,046	-811	-1,011	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	'	'	'	-57,118	-17,895	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	'	'	3,733	1,188	1,474	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	'	'	-1	10	-21	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	34,355	4,849	32,086	20,581	36,314	'
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	'	'	35,818	21,779	37,767	'
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	41	38	41	38	42	43
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	40,504,000	37,991,000	40,504,000	37,991,000	41,956,000	43,330,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	'	'	3	1	0	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	'	'	2,513,000	691,000	370,000	'
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	'	'	0	0	0	'
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation	'	'	0	0	0	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares	'	'	'	-4,656,000	-1,744,000	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	'	'	'	-5	-1	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	'	'	0	0	0	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	'	'	0	0	0	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	'	'	0	0	0	'
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	'	'	0	0	0	'
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	251,550	212,520	251,550	212,520	254,003	258,398
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	'	'	26,334	3,721	1,981	'
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	'	'	13,742	12,720	12,529	'
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation	'	'	-1,046	-811	-1,011	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	'	'	'	-57,113	-17,894	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	'	'	0	0	0	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	'	'	0	0	0	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	'	'	0	0	0	'
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	'	'	0	0	0	'
Retained Earnings [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	179,414	147,328	179,414	147,328	126,747	88,453
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	'	'	0	0	0	'
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	'	'	0	0	0	'
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation	'	'	0	0	0	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	'	'	'	0	0	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	'	'	0	0	0	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	'	'	0	0	0	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	'	'	32,086	20,581	36,314	'
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	'	'	32,086	20,581	36,314	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	33,457	29,725	33,457	29,725	28,527	27,074
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	'	'	0	0	0	'
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	'	'	0	0	0	'
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation	'	'	0	0	0	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	'	'	'	0	0	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	'	'	3,733	1,188	1,474	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	'	'	-1	10	-21	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	'	'	0	0	0	'
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	'	'	3,732	1,198	1,453	'
Restatement Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	'	'	'	'	'	1,980
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	'	'	'	'	'	0
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	0
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	'	'	'	'	'	0
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	'	'	'	'	'	0
Retained Earnings [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	'	'	'	'	'	1,980
Balance, as corrected [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	'	'	'	'	'	375,948
Balance, as corrected [Member] | Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	'	'	'	'	'	43
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	43,330,000
Balance, as corrected [Member] | Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	'	'	'	'	'	258,398
Balance, as corrected [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	'	'	'	'	'	90,433
Balance, as corrected [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	'	'	'	'	'	$27,074

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net income	$32,086	$20,581	$36,314
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	18,871	17,786	14,525
Stock-based compensation expense	13,742	12,720	12,529
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes	-16,020	-6,528	3,363
Restructuring charges	36,599	1,284	1,390
Net (gain) loss on disposal of assets	1,197	286	1,629
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	-31,863	49,577	-12,135
Inventories	-12,006	-375	-3,465
Other current assets	10,345	5,294	1,689
Accounts payable	-3,259	-2,710	-10,813
Other current liabilities and accrued expenses	-352	-961	3,124
Income taxes	-14,024	13,823	-8,087
Non-current assets	0	0	-1,968
Net cash provided by operating activities	35,316	110,777	38,095
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Purchases of marketable securities	-19,034	-29,580	-31,598
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	33,093	28,399	15,761
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	-75,374	-15,313	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	0	2,200	0
Purchase of property and equipment	-9,611	-10,233	-18,887
Net cash used in investing activities	-70,926	-24,527	-34,724
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	1,103	0	0
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs	0	-562	0
Purchase and retirement of treasury stock	0	-57,117	-17,895
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	26,337	3,723	1,981
Excess tax from stock-based compensation deduction	-1,046	-811	-1,011
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities	-81	-97	-167
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	26,313	-54,864	-17,092
EFFECT OF CURRENCY TRANSLATION ON CASH	858	-2,461	446
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-8,439	28,925	-13,275
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	146,564	117,639	130,914
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	138,125	146,564	117,639
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:	'	'	'
Cash paid for interest	70	17	74
Cash paid for income taxes	14,888	3,630	23,254
Cash received for refunds of income taxes	2,945	7,434	7,430
Cash held in banks outside the United States	$29,068	$36,185	$67,426

Operations_and_Summary_of_Sign

Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	'
	OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
	We design, manufacture, sell, and support power conversion products that transform power into various usable forms. Our products enable manufacturing processes that use thin-film deposition for various products, such as semiconductor devices, flat panel displays, solar panels, and architectural glass. We also supply thermal instrumentation products for advanced temperature control in the thin-film process for these same markets. Our solar inverter products support renewable power generation solutions primarily for commercial, and utility-scale solar projects and installations. Our network of global service support centers offer repair services, conversions, upgrades, and refurbishments to companies using our products. We also offer a wide variety of operations and maintenance service plans that can be tailored for individual photovoltaic (“PV”) sites of all sizes.
	Principles of Consolidation — Our Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Our Consolidated Financial Statements are stated in United States dollars and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”).
	Corrections to Previously Reported Financial Statements — During the quarter ended December 31, 2013, the Company identified an error in the accounting for income taxes. This error accumulated gradually over many years and was caused by an inadequate process to reconcile worldwide tax accounts. The Company assessed the materiality of this item on previously issued financial statements in accordance with the SEC's Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 99 and concluded that the error was not material to any of the individual annual or interim periods. In accordance with SAB No. 108, the Company has corrected the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements by increasing 2011 beginning retained earnings by approximately $2.0 million and the respective lines in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 as follows (in thousands):
	Increase in current taxes receivable	$	636
	(Decrease) in deferred tax assets	(1,554		)
	Decrease in income tax payable	2,898
	(Increase) in retained earnings at January 1, 2011	$	(1,980	)
	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements — The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates, assumptions and judgments 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 revenue and expenses during the reporting period. We believe that the significant estimates, assumptions, and judgments when accounting for items and matters such as allowances for doubtful accounts, excess and obsolete inventory, warranty reserves, acquisitions, asset valuations, asset life, depreciation, amortization, recoverability of assets, impairments, deferred revenue, stock option and restricted stock grants, taxes, and other provisions are reasonable, based upon information available at the time they are made. Actual results may differ from these estimates, making it possible that a change in these estimates could occur in the near term.
	Foreign Currency Translation — The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is their local currency, with the exception of our manufacturing facility in Shenzhen, The People's Republic of China (“PRC”) where the United States dollar is the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated to United States dollars at period-end exchange rates, and our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Cash Flows are translated at average exchange rates during the period. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.
	Transactions denominated in currencies other than the local currency are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Subsequent changes in exchange rates result in foreign currency transaction gains and losses which are reflected as unrealized (based on period end translation) or realized (upon settlement of the transactions) in other income, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments — We value our financial assets and liabilities using fair value measurements. Fair value is based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and other current liabilities in our Consolidated Financial Statements approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of the instruments.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents — We consider all amounts on deposit with financial institutions and highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that consist primarily of short-term money market instruments and demand deposits with insignificant interest rate risk and original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase.
	Sometimes we invest excess cash in money market funds not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. We believe that the investments in money market funds are on deposit with credit-worthy financial institutions and that the funds are highly liquid. The investments in money market funds are reported at fair value, with interest income recorded in earnings and are included in “Cash and cash equivalents.” The fair values of our investments in money market funds are based on the quoted market prices.
	Marketable Securities — All of our investments in marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale at the respective balance sheet dates. Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair value based upon quoted market prices, and any temporary difference between the cost and fair value of the investment is presented as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). We recognize gains and losses on the date our investments mature or are sold and record these gains and losses in other income, net. The specific identification method is used to determine the gains and losses on investments in marketable securities.
	Concentrations of Credit Risk — Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to credit risk, include cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and trade accounts receivable. To preserve capital and maintain liquidity, we invest with financial institutions we deem to be of high quality and sound financial condition. Our investments are in low-risk instruments and we limit our credit exposure in any one institution or type of investment instrument based upon criteria including creditworthiness.
	At December 31, 2013, our accounts receivable from Applied Materials were $22.0 million, comprising 17.4% of our total accounts receivable. At December 31, 2012, our accounts receivable from Applied Materials, Ltd. were $10.9 million, comprising 13% of our total accounts receivable. No other customer balance exceeded 10% of our total accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012. We have established an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends, and other information.
	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts — Accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value. We have not historically charged interest on overdue balances, although we do notify our customers that we reserve the right to do so. We maintain a credit approval process and we make significant judgments in connection with assessing our customers’ ability to pay at the time of shipment. Despite this assessment, from time to time, our customers are unable to meet their payment obligations. We continuously monitor our customers’ credit worthiness and use our judgment in establishing a provision for estimated credit losses based upon our historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that we have identified. While such credit losses have historically been within our expectations and the provisions established, there is no assurance that we will continue to experience the same credit loss rates that we have in the past. A significant change in the liquidity or financial position of our customers could have a material adverse impact on the collectability of accounts receivable and our future operating results.
	Changes in allowance for doubtful accounts are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Balances at beginning of period	$	4,589		$	6,796		$	3,440
	Additions - charged to expense	1,121			1,705			4,806
	Deductions - write-offs, net of recoveries	(2,790		)	(3,912		)	(1,450		)
	Balances at end of period	$	2,920		$	4,589		$	6,796
	Inventories — Inventories include costs of materials, direct labor, manufacturing overhead, in-bound freight, and duty. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market and are presented net of reserves for excess and obsolete inventory.
	Reserves are provided for excess and obsolete inventory. We regularly review inventory quantities on hand and record a provision to write-down excess and obsolete inventory to its estimated net realizable value, if less than cost, based primarily on our estimated forecast of product demand. Demand for our products can fluctuate significantly. A significant decrease in demand could result in an increase in the charges for excess inventory quantities on hand.
	In addition, our industry is subject to technological change, new product development, and product technological obsolescence that could result in an increase in the amount of obsolete inventory quantities on hand. Therefore, any significant unanticipated changes in demand or technological developments could have a significant impact on the value of our inventory and our reported operating results.
	Property and Equipment — Property and equipment is stated at cost or estimated fair value if acquired in a business combination. Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives for financial reporting purposes are as follows: building, 20 to 40 years; machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures and vehicles, three to 10 years; and computer and communication equipment, three years.
	Amortization of leasehold improvements and leased equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the lease term or the estimated useful life of the assets, whichever period is shorter. Additions, improvements, and major renewals are capitalized, while maintenance, repairs, and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. When depreciable assets are retired, or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any related gains or losses are included in other income, net, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets — We completed our acquisitions of Solvix in November 2012 and Refusol in April 2013 for total costs of $21.2 million and $87.2 million, respectively. As a result of our acquisitions, we identified and recorded intangible assets and goodwill. Intangible assets are valued based on estimates of future cash flows and amortized over their estimated useful lives. Goodwill is subject to annual impairment testing, as well as testing upon the occurrence of any event that indicates a potential impairment. Intangible assets and other long-lived assets are subject to an impairment test if there is an indicator of impairment. The carrying value and ultimate realization of these assets is dependent upon our estimates of future earnings and benefits that we expect to generate from their use. If our expectations of future results and cash flows are significantly diminished, intangible assets and goodwill may be impaired and the resulting charge to operations may be material. When we determine that the carrying value of intangibles or other long-lived assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more indicators of impairment, we use the projected undiscounted cash flow method to determine whether an impairment exists, and then measure the impairment using discounted cash flows.
	Due to the restructuring plan announced in 2011, we determined there were indicators of impairment related to one research and development project that was recorded as in-process research and development in conjunction with the acquisition of PV Powered. This project was abandoned as part of the restructuring plan and thus resulted in an impairment of the intangible asset recorded. In December 2011, we recorded an impairment of $1.1 million as part of our restructuring charges related to this project.
	As a result of the acquisition of the three phase string inverter product line, we assessed the overall Solar product line for product optimization. Through this assessment, it was determined that the intangible assets related to products acquired from PV Powered were impaired. We performed an analysis using projected future cash flows and determined their carrying value was impaired resulting in an impairment of $31.9 million in 2013.
	The estimation of useful lives and expected cash flows requires us to make significant judgments regarding future periods that are subject to some factors outside of our control. Changes in these estimates can result in significant revisions to our carrying value of these assets and may result in material charges to our results of operations.
	The annual impairment test for goodwill can be performed using an assessment of qualitative factors in determining if it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. If this assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, the next step of impairment testing compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. Goodwill would be impaired if the resulting implied fair value of goodwill was less than the recorded carrying value of the goodwill. We performed an assessment of qualitative factors for our annual impairment test of the goodwill associated with our Solar Energy business in 2012 and the goodwill associated with our Thin Film business in 2013. The factors reviewed included macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, and overall financial performance of our solar inverter business. This assessment resulted in the conclusion that there is no impairment of goodwill in the respective years. For the 2013 annual impairment test of goodwill associated with our Solar Energy business unit, we performed a quantitative analysis by comparing the fair value of the Solar Energy reporting unit to its carrying value. This analysis used projected future cash flows and market multiples of comparable companies to arrive at the fair value of the reporting. The analysis of the Solar Energy business unit resulted in the conclusion that there is no impairment of goodwill in 2013.
	Revenue Recognition — We recognize revenue from product sales upon transfer of title and risk of loss to our customers provided that there is evidence of an arrangement, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and the collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured. In most transactions, we have no obligations to our customers after the date products are shipped, other than pursuant to warranty obligations. For customers purchasing our Solar Energy products, we provide installation, support, and services after the product has been shipped. For arrangements containing these additional elements, we allocate revenue based on vendor specific objective evidence of the selling price of each individual element of the arrangement. As we also sell these additional elements separately, the evidence is our selling price for those elements when sold separately. We defer the revenue of any undelivered elements until the undelivered element is delivered. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers, if any, are recognized as revenue. The related shipping and handling costs are recognized in cost of sales.
	We maintain a worldwide support organization in eight countries, including the United States, the PRC, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Canada, Germany, and Great Britain. Support services include warranty and non-warranty repair services, upgrades, and refurbishments on the products we sell. Revenue from repairs and replacements, that are non-warranty in nature, are recognized as the work is performed on a time and materials basis. Repairs that are covered under our standard warranty do not generate revenue.
	We also provide our customers with extended warranty and preventive maintenance service contract options on the products we sell. Any up-front fees received for extended warranties or maintenance plans are deferred and recognized ratably over the service periods, as defined in the agreements. We deferred revenue related to extended warranties totaling $43.2 million as of December 31, 2013 and $20.5 million as of December 31, 2012, including the current portion.
	Based on the credit worthiness of certain customers, we may require payment prior to the manufacture or shipment of products purchased by these customers. Cash payments received prior to shipment are recorded as customer deposits, a current liability, and then recognized as revenue when appropriate based upon the revenue recognition criteria discussed earlier in this section. As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 the total amount of customer deposits was $7.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively. We do not offer price protection to customers, or allow returns, unless covered by our normal policy for repair of defective products.
	We occasionally agree to make payments to certain customers in order to participate in anticipated sales activity. Payments made to customers are accounted for as a reduction of revenue unless they are made in exchange for identifiable goods or services with fair values that can be reasonably estimated. These reductions in revenues are recognized immediately to the extent that the payments cannot be attributed to anticipated future sales, and are recognized in future periods to the extent that the payments relate to future sales, based on the specific facts and circumstances underlying each payment.
	Taxes Collected from Customers — In the course of doing business we collect various taxes from customers including, but not limited to, sales taxes and value added taxes. It is our policy to record revenue net of taxes collected from customers in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Shipping and Handling Costs — Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are recorded in sales. Shipping and handling costs incurred by us for the delivery of products to customers are included in cost of sales.
	Advertising Costs — Advertising costs are expensed when incurred and are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses.
	Research and Development Expenses — Costs incurred to advance, test or otherwise modify our proprietary technology or develop new technologies are considered research and development costs and are expensed when incurred. These costs are primarily comprised of costs associated with the operation of our laboratories and research facilities, including internal labor, materials, and overhead.
	Warranty Costs — We provide for the estimated costs to fulfill customer warranty obligations upon the recognition of the related revenue. We offer warranty coverage for a majority of our thin-film products for periods typically ranging from 12 to 24 months after shipment. We warrant our solar inverter products for five to ten years. We estimate the anticipated costs of repairing our products under such warranties based on the historical costs of the repairs. The assumptions we use to estimate warranty accruals are reevaluated periodically in light of actual experience of each product platform. Should product failure rates differ from our estimates, actual costs could vary significantly from our expectations.
	Stock-Based Compensation — Accounting for stock-based compensation requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors based on estimated fair values. Except as noted below, we have estimated the fair value of all stock options and awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model, which is affected by our stock price, as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. These variables include our expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, actual and projected employee option exercise behaviors, risk free interest rates and expected dividends. We also estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from our estimates. Our expected volatility assumption is based on the historical daily closing price of our stock over a period equivalent to the expected life of the options. Our Long-term Incentive Plan ("LTI Plan") includes a cash settlement option for awards of restricted stock units.
	During 2011 we granted non-qualified stock options to our Chief Executive Officer that will vest based on the achievement of certain stock price targets. To estimate the fair value of these stock options on the grant date we used the Monte Carlo simulation method which is also affected by our stock price and assumptions regarding multiple variables.
	Income Taxes — We follow the liability method of accounting for income taxes under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences. A deferred tax asset or liability is computed for both the expected future impact of differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities and for the expected future tax benefit to be derived from tax loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized, based upon an assessment of both negative and positive evidence, in future tax returns. Tax rate changes are reflected in the period such changes are enacted.
	We assess the recoverability of our net deferred tax assets and the need for a valuation allowance on a quarterly basis. Our assessment includes a number of factors including historical results and taxable income projections for each jurisdiction. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent on the generation of taxable income in appropriate jurisdictions during the periods in which those temporary differences are deductible. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in determining the amount of the valuation allowance. Based on the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred income tax assets are deductible, we determine if we will realize the benefits of these deductible differences.
	Accounting for income taxes requires a two-step approach to recognize and measure uncertain tax positions. In general, we are subject to regular examination of our income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining, if based on the technical merits, it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon audit, including resolutions of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We regularly assess the likelihood of favorable or unfavorable outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit, and new audit activity.
	Commitments and Contingencies — From time to time we are involved in disputes and legal actions arising in the normal course of our business. While we currently believe that the amount of any ultimate loss would not be material to our financial position, the outcome of these actions is inherently difficult to predict. In the event of an adverse outcome, the ultimate loss could have a material adverse effect on our financial position or reported results of operations in a particular period. An unfavorable decision, particularly in patent litigation, could require material changes in production processes and products or result in our inability to ship products or components found to have violated third-party patent rights. We accrue loss contingencies when it is probable that a loss has occurred or will occur and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Our estimates of probability of losses are subjective, involve significant judgment and uncertainties, and are based on the best information we have at any given point in time. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with our expectations could have a significant impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
	NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
	From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") or other standards setting bodies issue new accounting pronouncements. Updates to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) are communicated through issuance of an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”). Unless otherwise discussed, we believe that the impact of recently issued guidance, whether adopted or to be adopted in the future, is not expected to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements upon adoption.

Business_Acquisition_and_Dispo

Business Acquisition and Disposition Business Acquisition and Disposition (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	BUSINESS ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION
	Acquisition
	Solvix SA
	On November 8, 2012, we acquired Solvix SA ("Solvix"), a privately-held Switzerland based company, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement dated November 8, 2012 between AEI International Holdings, CV ("AEI CV"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Advanced Energy incorporated in the Netherlands, and CPA Group SA ("CPA Group"), a privately held Switzerland company. Pursuant to the stock purchase agreement, AEI CV purchased 100% of the outstanding stock of Solvix.
	We acquired all of the outstanding Solvix common stock for total consideration with a fair value of approximately $21.2 million consisting of cash payments totaling $16.0 million, net of cash acquired, and contingent consideration payable to the former shareholders of Solvix. The additional cash consideration of up to $7.9 million is payable to CPA Group if certain milestone targets are met during the year ending December 31, 2013 and certain financial targets are met in the three years ended December 31, 2015. The estimated fair value of this contingent consideration is approximately $5.3 million as of November 8, 2012, of which the remaining balance of $0.9 million is included in Other accrued expenses and $2.3 million is included in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	Solvix is a manufacturer of power supplies for the surface treatment and thin films industry. Solvix manufactures products that bring plasma-based sputtering and cathodic arc deposition applications to Advanced Energy's existing product portfolio and is included in our Thin Film business unit. Solvix has approximately 10 employees and had revenues of $5.2 million in its fiscal year ended September 30, 2012.
	During 2013, we initiated the move of the Solvix product line from a contract manufacturer in Switzerland to our Shenzhen facility. The move was substantially completed by the end of the fourth quarter of 2013.
	The components of the fair value of the total consideration transferred for the Solvix acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
	Cash paid to owners	$	16,673
	Contingent consideration	5,253
	Cash acquired	(680		)
	Total fair value of consideration transferred	$	21,246
	The following table summarizes estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of November 8, 2012 (in thousands):
	Cash	$	680
	Accounts receivable	1,074
	Inventories	57
	Other receivables	32
	Other current assets	46
	Property and equipment	43
	Accounts payable	(390		)
	Accrued payroll and employee benefits	(186		)
	Other accrued expenses	(159		)
	Customer deposits	(38		)
	Deferred tax liabilities	(1,628		)
		(469		)
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Trademarks	106
	Technology	2,723
	Customer relationships	5,398
	Total amortizable intangible assets	8,227
	Total identifiable net assets	7,758
	Goodwill	13,488
	Total fair value of consideration transferred	$	21,246
	A summary of the intangible assets acquired, amortization method and estimated useful lives as of November 8, 2012 follows (in thousands, except useful life):
			Amount			Amortization Method		Useful Life
	Trademarks		$	106		Straight-line		3
	Technology		2,723			Straight-line		9
	Customer relationships - other		755			Straight-line		7
	Customer relationships - design		4,643			Straight-line		12
			$	8,227
	Goodwill and intangible assets are recorded in the functional currency of the entity and are subject to changes due to translation at each balance sheet date.
	Refusol Holding
	On April 8, 2013, we acquired all the outstanding shares of Refusol Holding GmbH pursuant to a Sale and Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement ") between AEI Holdings, GmbH (formerly Blitz S13-103, GmbH) ("AEI Holdings"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. and Jolaos Verwaltungs GmbH ("Jolaos") and Prettl Beteilgungs Holding GmbH. Refusol Holding GmbH ("Refusol Holding") owns all of the shares of Refusol GmbH and its subsidiaries (collectively and together with Refusol Holding, "Refusol"). Refusol develops, manufactures, distributes and services photovoltaic inverters.
	All of the outstanding shares of Refusol Holding were acquired for total consideration of approximately $87.2 million, consisting of a cash payment of $75.4 million, net of cash acquired and a working capital reduction and assumption of debt totaling $11.9 million. The agreement calls for additional cash consideration if certain stretch financial targets are met by our Solar Energy business unit and Refusol, on a combined basis, at the end of the twelve (12) calendar months following April 1, 2013. The contingent consideration has no estimated fair value as of April 8, 2013 and December 31, 2013 based on management's estimates of operating income for the Solar Energy business unit for the specified period. The preliminary base price is subject to a post-closing adjustment based on confirmation of the financial statements of Refusol effective as of the closing date.
	Refusol develops three-phase string inverters for commercial customers across Europe and Asia. Its three-phase string inverter offerings range in size from 8kW to 24kW broadening the range of solar inverter products offered by Advanced Energy. Refusol is included in our Solar Energy business unit. Refusol had revenues of $170.5 million in its fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.
	The components of the fair value of the total consideration transferred for the Refusol acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
	Cash paid to owners	$	79,550
	Debt assumed	11,873
	Working capital adjustment	(2,340		)
	Cash acquired	(1,836		)
	Total fair value of consideration transferred	$	87,247
	The following table summarizes estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of April 8, 2013 (in thousands):
	Accounts receivable	$	9,929
	Inventories	15,245
	Other current assets	6,769
	Property and equipment	4,746
	Other long-term assets	130
	Deferred tax assets	222
	Current liabilities	(21,094		)
	Long-term liabilities	(30,673		)
		(14,726		)
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Trademarks	1,300
Technology	5,700
Customer relationships	3,500
Total amortizable intangible assets	10,500
Total identifiable net assets	(4,226		)
Goodwill	91,473
Total fair value of consideration transferred	$	87,247
A summary of the intangible assets acquired, amortization method and estimated useful lives as of April 8, 2013 follows (in thousands, except useful life):
		Amount			Amortization Method		Useful Life
Trademarks		$	1,300		Straight-line		1.5
Technology		5,700			Straight-line		5
Customer relationships		3,500			Straight-line		5
		$	10,500
Goodwill and intangible assets are recorded in the functional currency of the entity and are subject to changes due to translation at each balance sheet date. The goodwill associated with the acquisition is the result of expected synergies and expansion of the technology into additional markets that we already serve.
The cost of the acquisition may increase or decrease based on the final amount payable to the former owner of Refusol related to the financial targets to be met during the twelve month period subsequent to April 1, 2013 and a post-closing working capital adjustment based on confirmation of the financial statements of Refusol effective as of the closing date. Advanced Energy is in the process of finalizing valuations of accounts receivable, inventory, other intangibles, property, plant and equipment, estimates of the fair value of liabilities associated with the acquisition and deferred taxes.
The results of Refusol operations are included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations beginning April 8, 2013. For the period ended December 31, 2013, sales of approximately $61.6 million and operating loss of $6.1 million attributable to Refusol were included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refusol's results of operations included restructuring charges of $3.8 million and amortization of purchased intangible assets of $2.1 million.
Pro Forma Results for Refusol Acquisition
The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations of Advanced Energy and Refusol as if the acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2012. The pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place at January 1, 2012. The unaudited pro forma financial information for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 includes the historical results of Advanced Energy for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and the historical results of Refusol for the same periods.
The unaudited pro forma results for all periods presented include amortization charges for acquired intangible assets and related tax effects. These pro forma results consider the sale of the gas flow control business and related product lines as discontinued operations. The unaudited pro forma results follow (in thousands, except per share data):
	(Unaudited)
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
Sales		$	567,087		$	622,388
Net income		27,380			19,978
Earnings per share:
Basic		$	0.69		$	0.51
Diluted		$	0.67		$	0.5
Disposition
On October 15, 2010, we completed the sale of our gas flow control business, which included the Aera® mass flow control and related product lines to Hitachi Metals, Ltd. ("Hitachi"), for approximately $43.3 million. Assets and liabilities sold included, without limitation, inventories, real property in Hachioji, Japan, equipment, certain contracts, intellectual property rights related to the gas flow control business and certain warranty liability obligations, which were included in the Thin Film business unit.
In connection with the closing of this asset disposition, we entered into a Master Services Agreement and a Supplemental Transition Services Agreement pursuant to which we provided certain transition services until October 2011 and we became an authorized service provider for Hitachi in all countries other than Japan. As of May 31, 2012 we ceased providing contract manufacturing services to Hitachi and completed the sale of certain fixed assets related to that manufacturing. We do not anticipate any additional activity with Hitachi in respect of these assets that would materially impact our financial statements in the future.
In accordance with authoritative accounting guidance for reporting discontinued operations, for the periods reported in this Form 10-K, the results of continuing operations were reduced by the revenue and costs associated with the gas flow control business, which are included in the income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Operating results of discontinued operations are as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2012			2011
Sales		$	8,959		$	27,823
Cost of sales		9,189			27,671
Gross profit (loss)		(230		)	152
Operating expenses:
Research and development		—			8
Selling, general, and administrative		88			862
Amortization of intangible assets		—			—
Total operating expenses		88			870
Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations		(318		)	(718		)
Other income		881			(26		)
Gain on sale of net assets of discontinued operation		—			—
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes		563			(744		)
Provision for income taxes
Income taxes on income from discontinued operations		158			(204		)
Total provision for income taxes		158			(204		)
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		$	405		$	(540	)

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	INCOME TAXES
	The geographic distribution of pretax income (loss) is as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Domestic	$	(9,480	)	$	17,905		$	54,339
	Foreign	23,764			11,901			(3,871		)
		$	14,284		$	29,806		$	50,468
	The provision for income taxes is summarized as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	(6,866	)	$	11,248		$	9,101
	State and local	(530		)	2,273			970
	Foreign taxes	5,614			2,637			180
	Total current provision	$	(1,782	)	$	16,158		$	10,251
	Deferred:
	Federal	$	(12,023	)	$	(7,914	)	$	3,525
	State and local	(1,208		)	(1,174		)	145
	Foreign taxes	(2,789		)	2,560			(307		)
	Total deferred provision	(16,020		)	(6,528		)	3,363
	Total provision for income taxes	$	(17,802	)	$	9,630		$	13,614
	The following reconciles our effective tax rate on income from continuing operations to the federal statutory rate of 35% (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Income taxes per federal statutory rate	$	5,000		$	10,433		$	17,664
	State income taxes, net of federal deduction	(1,553		)	417			777
	Change in valuation allowance	(393		)	1,694			—
	Stock based compensation	(296		)	745			1,150
	Tax effect of foreign operations	(15,520		)	(2,166		)	(3,192		)
	Tax credits	(2,691		)	(1,317		)	(1,432		)
	Domestic production activity benefit	(408		)	(327		)	(1,436		)
	Uncertain Tax Position reserves, net of releases	(2,723		)	—			—
	Reorganization costs	576			—			—
	Other permanent items, net	206			151			83
	Total provision for income taxes	$	(17,802	)	$	9,630		$	13,614
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be reversed. Significant deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets
	Stock based compensation	7,887			9,460
	Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	8,723			6,106
	Excess and obsolete inventory	4,207			5,381
	Warranty reserve	11			4,024
	Deferred revenue	12,338			3,958
	Vacation accrual	1,253			700
	Restructuring	2,087			515
	Bad debt reserve	402			415
	Employee bonuses and commissions	98			36
	Unrealized gain/loss	587			—
	Other	540			—
	Deferred tax assets	$	38,133		$	30,595
	Less: Valuation allowance	(2,158		)	(2,551		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	35,975		$	28,044
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Depreciation and amortization	5,069			16,342
	Purchase accounting	2,686			—
	Foreign other	1,565			—
	Other	440			750
	Deferred tax liabilities	$	9,760		$	17,092
	Net deferred tax assets/liabilities	$	26,215		$	10,952
	As of December 31, 2013, we had federal, foreign, and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $0.7 million, $18.6 million, and $61.9 million respectively. The federal and state net operating loss carryforwards are subject to various limitations under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable state laws. The foreign net operating losses consist primarily of Germany and Japan net operating losses totaling $12.8 million and $5.6 million, respectfully. The Germany net operating losses can be carried forward indefinitely subject to certain annual limitations. A valuation allowance has been provided on the full amount of the Japan net operating losses. If not utilized, the Japan net operating losses will begin to expire in 2021. The state net operating losses have various dates of expiration.
	Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries are considered to be permanently reinvested and accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal and state income taxes or foreign withholding taxes has been made. Unrepatriated earnings of approximately $119.2 million could become subject to U.S. income taxes subject to a reduction for foreign tax credits and withholding taxes payable to the various foreign countries if they are remitted as dividends, are loaned to us, or if we sell our stock in the subsidiaries. The determination of the additional deferred taxes that would be provided for undistributed earnings has not been determined because the hypothetical calculation is not practicable.
	We account for uncertain tax positions by applying a minimum recognition threshold to tax positions before recognizing these positions in the financial statements.
The reconciliation of our total gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
	Years Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Balance at beginning of period	$	12,810		$	16,018		$	15,665
Additions based on tax positions taken during a prior period	1,006			—			—
Additions based on tax positions taken during the current period	1,495			295			353
Reductions related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations	(9,788		)	(3,503		)	—
Balance at end of period	$	5,523		$	12,810		$	16,018
If the $5.5 million of tax contingencies recorded on our balance sheet reverse, $5.5 million will affect our effective tax rate. The tax years 2004 through 2013 remain open to examination by the United States and foreign taxing jurisdictions to which we are subject. In accordance with our accounting policy, we recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of tax expense. We had an immaterial amount of accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2013 and 2012. We do not anticipate a material change to the amount of unrecognized tax positions within the next 12 months.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
EARNINGS PER SHARE	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The computation of diluted EPS is similar to the computation of basic EPS except that the numerator is increased to exclude charges that would not have been incurred, and the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding (using the if-converted and treasury stock methods), if securities containing potentially dilutive common shares (stock options and restricted stock units) had been converted to common shares, and if such assumed conversion is dilutive.
	The following is a reconciliation of the weighted-average shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 (in thousands, except per share data):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	$	32,086		$	20,176		$	36,854
	Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding	39,597			38,879			43,465
	Assumed exercise of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units	1,070			568			489
	Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding	40,667			39,447			43,954
	Income from continuing operations:
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.81		$	0.52		$	0.85
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.79		$	0.51		$	0.84
	The following stock options and restricted units were excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012			2011
	Stock options	413		4,960			4,550
	Restricted stock units	—		—			18
	Stock Buyback
	In November 2011, our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $75.0 million of our common stock over a twelve-month period. As of June 30, 2012, we completed this repurchase program. Total shares repurchased were 6.4 million shares of our common stock for $75.0 million. All share repurchases were executed in the open market and no shares were repurchased from related parties. Repurchased shares were retired and assumed the status of authorized and unissued shares.
	In October 2012, our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $25.0 million of our common stock over a twelve-month period. We did not repurchase any shares under this program, which ended in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Marketable_Securities

Marketable Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Marketable Securities	'
	MARKETABLE SECURITIES
	Our investments with original maturities of more than three months at time of purchase are considered marketable securities available for sale.
	The composition of our marketable securities is as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,					December 31,
		2013					2012
		Cost			Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
	Commercial paper	$	—		$	—	$	749	$	749
	Certificates of deposit	11,568			11,568		12,498		12,498
	Corporate bonds/notes	—			—		11,274		11,253
	Municipal bonds/notes	—			—		285		285
	Agency bonds/notes	—			—		900		898
	Total marketable securities	$	11,568		$	11,568	$	25,706	$	25,683
	The maturities of our marketable securities available for sale as of December 31, 2013 are as follows:
		Earliest			Latest
	Certificates of deposit	1/21/14		to	11/4/15
	The value and liquidity of the marketable securities we hold are affected by market conditions, as well as the ability of the issuers of such securities to make principal and interest payments when due, and the functioning of the markets in which these securities are traded. Our current investments in marketable securities are expected to be liquidated during the next twelve months.
	As of December 31, 2013, we do not believe any of the underlying issuers of our marketable securities are presently at risk of default.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	'
	DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	We are impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We manage these risks through the use of derivative financial instruments, primarily forward contracts. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 we entered into foreign currency exchange forward contracts to manage the exchange rate risk associated with intercompany debt denominated in nonfunctional currencies. These derivative instruments are not designated as hedges; however, they do offset the fluctuations of our intercompany debt due to foreign exchange rate changes. These forward contracts are typically for one month periods. At December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 we had both EUR and CAD forward contracts. At December 31, 2013 and 2012 we also had CHF forward contracts.
	The notional amount of foreign currency exchange contracts at December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $25.0 million, $20.5 million, and $32.3 million, respectively, and the fair value of these contracts was not significant at December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, we recognized losses of $0.9 million and $0.5 million, and a gain of $1.6 million respectively, on our foreign currency exchange contracts. These gains and losses were offset by corresponding gains and losses on the related intercompany debt and both are included as a component of other income, net, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Assets_and_Liabilities_Measure

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE	'
	ASSETS AND LIABILITIES MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in our Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy established by U.S. GAAP, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into the following levels:
	Level 1:	Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.
	Level 2:	Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable and can be corroborated by observable market data.
	Level 3:	Inputs reflect management’s best estimates and assumptions of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The inputs are unobservable in the market and significant to the valuation of the instruments.
	A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	The following tables present information about our financial assets measured at fair value, on a recurring basis, as of December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012. The tables indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value. We did not have any financial liabilities measured at fair value, on a recurring basis, as of December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012.
	December 31, 2013		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
			(In thousands)
	Certificates of deposit		$	—	$	11,568	$	—	$	11,568
	Total marketable securities		$	—	$	11,568	$	—	$	11,568
	December 31, 2012		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
			(In thousands)
	Commercial paper		$	—	$	749	$	—	$	749
	Certificates of deposit		—		12,498		—		12,498
	Corporate bonds/notes		—		11,253		—		11,253
	Municipal bonds/notes		—		285		—		285
	Agency bonds/notes		898		—		—		898
	Total marketable securities		$	898	$	24,785	$	—	$	25,683
	We did not have any Level 3 investments or financial liabilities measured at fair value, on a recurring basis, as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. In the third quarter of 2012, we reclassified our investments in corporate bonds and municipal bonds from Level 1 into Level 2 as we believe this more appropriately reflects the level of inputs available for valuing these financial instruments. There were no transfers in or out of Level 1, 2, or 3 fair value measurements during the year ended December 31, 2013.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INVENTORIES	'
	INVENTORIES
	For information regarding the valuation of our inventory refer to Note 1 - Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates.
	Our inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market and computed on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. Components of inventories are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Parts and raw materials	$	75,815	$	59,484
	Work in process	3,507		3,728
	Finished goods	30,449		18,270
		$	109,771	$	81,482

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'
	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
	Details of property and equipment are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Buildings and land	$	1,807		$	1,794
	Machinery and equipment	41,451			40,993
	Computer and communication equipment	23,117			22,895
	Furniture and fixtures	4,028			1,845
	Vehicles	367			359
	Leasehold improvements	24,369			27,976
	Construction in process	5,426			3,362
		100,565			99,224
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	(65,677		)	(59,701		)
	Total property and equipment, net	$	34,888		$	39,523
	Depreciation expense recorded in continuing operations and included in selling, general and administrative expense is as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Depreciation expense	$	12,729		$	12,090		$	10,673

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
GOODWILL	'
	GOODWILL
	The following summarizes the changes in goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012
	Gross carrying amount, beginning of period	$	60,391	$	46,515
	Additions and adjustments	91,473		13,499
	Translation adjustments	5,936		377
	Gross carrying amount, end of period	$	157,800	$	60,391
	Additions during the year represent the difference between the purchase price paid and the values assigned to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in purchase accounting, as described in Note 2, Business Acquisition and Disposition.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
	INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Other intangible assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands, except weighted-average useful life):
			Gross Carrying Amount			Effect of Changes in Exchange Rates			Impairment and Other Charges			Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Weighted-Average Useful Life in Years
	Amortizable intangibles:
	Technology-based		$	50,368		$	441		$	(26,168	)	$	(14,712	)	$	9,929	4
	Trademarks and other		18,515			514			(5,705		)	(3,842		)	9,482		7
	Total intangible assets		$	68,883		$	955		$	(31,873	)	$	(18,554	)	$	19,411
	Other intangible assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands, except weighted-average useful life):
			Gross Carrying Amount			Effect of Changes in Exchange Rates			Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount			Weighted-Average Useful Life in Years
	Amortizable intangibles:
	Technology-based		$	44,668		$	83		$	(10,775	)	$	33,976		7
	Trademarks and other		13,703			167			(1,637		)	12,233			9
	Total intangible assets		$	58,371		$	250		$	(12,412	)	$	46,209
	Amortization expense relating to other intangible assets included in our income from continuing operations is as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Amortization expense	$	6,142		$	5,696		$	3,852
	Estimated amortization expense related to intangibles for each of the five years 2014 through 2018 and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending December 31,
	2014		$	5,116
	2015		4,022
	2016		2,787
	2017		2,787
	2018		1,328
	Thereafter		3,371
			$	19,411

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	ACCRUED LIABILITIES
	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Accrued liabilities:
	Current deferred tax liability	$	4,519	$	4,137
	Accrued restructuring costs	3,280		1,852
	Current contingent consideration	933		2,773
	Accrued sales and use tax	2,415		1,010
	Other	9,557		5,627
	Total accrued liabilities	$	20,704	$	15,399
	Other accrued liabilities consists of items that are individually less than 5% of total current liabilities.

Warranties

Warranties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]	'
WARRANTIES	'
	WARRANTIES
	Provisions of our sales agreements include product warranties customary to these types of agreements, ranging from 18 months to 24 months following installation for Thin Films products and 5 years to 10 years following installation for Solar Energy products. Our provision for the estimated cost of warranties is recorded when revenue is recognized. We estimate the anticipated costs of repairing our products under such warranties based on the historical cost of the repairs. The assumptions we use to estimate warranty accruals are reevaluated periodically, in light of actual experience, and when appropriate, the accruals are adjusted. We also offer our Solar Energy customers the option to purchase additional warranty coverage up to 20 years after the base warranty period expires.
	We establish accruals for warranty issues that are probable to result in future costs. Changes in product warranty accruals are as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Balances at beginning of period	$	14,797		$	14,719		$	12,949
	Warranty liabilities acquired	10,678			—			—
	Increases to accruals related to sales during the period	14,087			7,561			10,203
	Warranty expenditures	(17,495		)	(7,483		)	(8,433		)
	Balances at end of period	$	22,067		$	14,797		$	14,719

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Text Block]	'
	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	As of December 31, 2013, we had two active stock-based incentive compensation plans; the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). All new equity compensation grants are issued under these two plans; however, outstanding awards previously issued under inactive plans will continue to vest and remain exercisable in accordance with the terms of the respective plans. At December 31, 2013, there were 5.2 million shares reserved and 0.6 million shares available for future grant under our stock-based incentive plans.
	2008 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN — The 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) provides officers, directors, key employees, and other persons an opportunity to acquire or increase a direct proprietary interest in our operations and future success. Our Board of Directors currently administers the Plan, and makes all decisions concerning which officers, directors, employees, and other persons are granted awards, how many to grant to each recipient, when awards are granted, how the Plan should be interpreted, whether to amend or terminate the Plan, and whether to delegate administration of the Plan to a committee. In May 2010, our shareholders approved an increase from 3,500,000 to 7,500,000 shares authorized for issuance under the Plan. The Plan provides for the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, stock units (including deferred stock units), unrestricted stock, and dividend equivalent rights. Any of the awards may be made as performance incentives to reward attainment of annual or long-term performance goals in accordance with the terms of the Plan. Stock options granted under the Plan may be non-qualified stock options or incentive stock options except that stock options granted to outside directors, consultants, or advisers providing services to us shall in all cases be non-qualified stock options. Included in this plan is our LTI Plan which grants performance-based stock options and awards to selected participants that vest annually over a three-year period upon the achievement of certain annual return on net asset targets. This plan contains an option to settle the restricted stock awards in cash or shares. The Plan will terminate on May 7, 2018 unless the administrator terminates the Plan earlier. As of December 31, 2013, 177,462 shares of common stock were available for grant under the Plan.
	Stock-based Compensation Expense
	Non-cash stock-based compensation expense is primarily included in selling, general and administrative expense and was $13.7 million, $12.7 million, and $12.5 million for the years ending December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Our stock-based compensation expense is based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest, assuming estimated forfeitures at the time of grant. Estimated forfeiture rates for our stock-based compensation expense applicable to options and RSUs was approximately 16% for the year ended December 31, 2013, 14% for the year ended December 31, 2012, and 13% for the year ended December 31, 2011.
	Stock Options
	Stock option awards are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our stock at the date of grant and with a four-year vesting schedule and a term of 10 years, except as noted below.
	In January 2012, we made grants of performance based options and awards, which will vest annually over a three-year period based on the Company's achievement of return on net assets targets established by our Board of Directors at the time the grants were made. These awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our common stock at the date of grant and have a term of 10 years.
	In the second quarter of 2013, we granted additional options and awards under the LTI plan to our Chief Executive Officer who was not previously a participant in the plan. The fair value of these shares was estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model utilizing an expected volatility of 68.9%, a risk free rate of 0.74%, a dividend yield of zero, and an expected term of 5.6 years. The weighted-average grant date fair value of the options is $10.55 and the weighted-average grant date fair value of the awards is $17.80.
	During the third quarter of 2011, we granted non-qualified stock options to our Chief Executive Officer that will vest based on the achievement of certain stock price targets. The stock-based compensation cost and derived service periods for these stock options were estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation method utilizing a volatility of 61.6% and a risk-free rate of 2.4%. The weighted-average fair value of these awards is $2.92 and the derived service periods range from approximately one and one-half years to approximately two years. As of December 31, 2013, the first level target was met and the shares vested. If the remaining target is not met, the non-qualified stock options will expire on the third anniversary of the grant date.
	The fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model using the following assumptions by grant year (except the market awards granted to our Chief Executive Officer as noted above):
		2013		2012		2011
	Fair value assumptions - stock options:
	Risk-free interest rates	0.74%		0.6% - 1.2%		1.09% - 2.4%
	Expected dividend yield rates	—%		—%		—%
	Expected term	5.6 years		5.9 years		5.5 years
	Expected volatility	69%		61.50%		58%
	The risk free interest rate is based on the five-year U.S. Treasury Bill at the time of the grant. Historically, company information is the primary basis for selection of the expected dividend yield. The expected term is based on historical experience. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of our common stock using daily stock price observations.
	The weighted-average fair value of options issued and total intrinsic value of options exercised were (in thousands, except share prices):
		2013				2012				2011
	Weighted-average grant date fair value of options	$	10.55			$	6.24			$	6.68
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$	12,917			$	1,697			$	896
	Changes in outstanding time based stock options during the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands, except share prices):
		2013							2012							2011
		Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price
	Changes in outstanding stock options:
	Options outstanding at beginning of year	4,036			$	13.61			5,596			$	14.04			5,709		$	14.72
	Options granted	—			—				18			11.67				1,518		12.52
	Options exercised	(2,055	)		13.31				(446	)		9.17				(216	)	10.6
	Options forfeited	(199	)		13.01				(455	)		12.99				(886	)	13.2
	Options expired	(209	)		19.74				(677	)		20.41				(529	)	19.73
	Options outstanding at end of year	1,573			13.29				4,036			13.61				5,596		14.04
	Options vested during the year	294							73							49
	Changes in outstanding performance based stock options during the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands, except share prices):
		2013							2012							2011
		Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price
	Changes in outstanding stock options:
	Options outstanding at beginning of year	1,623			$	12.65			225			$	24.75			—		$	—
	Options granted	43			17.8				1,660			11.15				225		24.75
	Options exercised	(89	)		11.02				—			—				—		—
	Options forfeited	(87	)		11.02				(262	)		11.02				—		—
	Options expired	(251	)		11.1				—			—				—		—
	Options outstanding at end of year	1,239			13.38				1,623			12.65				225		24.75
	Options vested during the year	314							—							—
	During each of the three years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, the value of shares withheld for taxes from both time-based and performance based option exercises totaled $1.3 million, $0.5 million, and $0.3 million, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2013, there was $4.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted and outstanding, net of expected forfeitures related to non-vested options, which is expected to be recognized through fiscal year 2016, with a weighted-average remaining vesting period of 1.3 years. Information about our stock options that are outstanding, options that we expect to vest and options that are exercisable at December 31, 2013 follows (in thousands except share prices and lives):
	Options Expected to Vest:	Number			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Options outstanding	2,812			$	12.27			6.7 years		$	29,787
	Options expected to vest	2,597			12.41				6.6 years		27,164
	Options exercisable	1,243			12.82				5.4 years		12,505
	The following table summarizes information about the stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in thousands, except share prices and lives):
		Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices	Number Outstanding			Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life		Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Number Exercisable			Weighted-Average Exercise Price
	$7.15 to $7.95	132			2.2 years		$	7.35			132			$	7.35
	$8.65 to $8.65	384			7.6 years		8.65				218			8.65
	$8.95 to $10.90	160			6.3 years		9.61				83			9.7
	$11.02 to $11.02	871			8.0 years		11.02				98			11.02
	$11.21 to $12.77	293			7.0 years		12.24				153			12.18
	$12.80 to $14.21	331			6.4 years		13.82				165			13.79
	$14.40 to $15.65	327			6.6 years		14.82				161			14.88
	$16.13 to $22.30	272			4.2 years		18.61				191			19.28
	$22.47 to $22.47	21			3.6 years		22.47				21			22.47
$24.21 to $24.21	21			3.3 years		24.21				21			24.21
$7.15 to $24.21	2,812			6.7 years		12.27				1,243			12.82
Restricted Stock Units
The fair value of our RSUs is determined based upon the closing fair market value of our common stock on the grant date. Changes in the unvested time based restricted stock units during the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
	2013							2012							2011
	Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value				Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value				Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance at beginning of year	442			$	12.96			764			$	12.99			447		$	13.82
RSUs granted	99			17.58				75			12.93				623		13.72
RSUs vested	(242	)		12.99				(253	)		12.93				(147	)	15.56
RSUs forfeited	(69	)		12.88				(144	)		12.94				(159	)	13.32
Balance at beginning of year	230			13.41				442			12.96				764		12.99
Changes in the unvested performance based restricted stock units during the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
	2013							2012							2011
	Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value				Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value				Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance at beginning of year	1,631			$	11.15			—			$	—			—		$	—
RSUs granted	50			17.8				1,937			11.13				—		—
RSUs vested	(235	)		11.1				—			—				—		—
RSUs forfeited	(102	)		11.02				(306	)		11.02				—		—
Balance at beginning of year	1,344			11.42				1,631			11.15				—		—
The weighted-average fair value of RSUs issued and total fair value of RSUs converted to shares were (in thousands, except share prices):
	2013				2012				2011
Weighted-average grant date fair value of RSUs	$	17.73			$	11.2			$	12.94
Total fair value of RSUs converted to shares	$	11,032			$	8,908			$	1,974
As of December 31, 2013, there was $5.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of expected forfeitures related to non-vested RSUs granted, which is expected to be recognized through fiscal 2016, with a weighted-average remaining vesting period of 0.8 years.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The ESPP, a stockholder-approved plan, provides for the issuance of rights to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of common stock. In May 2010, shareholders approved an increase from 500,000 to 1,000,000 shares authorized for sale under our ESPP. Employees are eligible to participate in the ESPP if employed by us for at least 20 hours per week during at least five months per calendar year. Participating employees may contribute up to the lesser of 5% of their eligible earnings or $5,000 during each plan period. Currently, the plan period is six months. The purchase price of common stock purchased under the ESPP is currently equal to the lower of: 1) 85% of the fair market value of our common stock on the commencement date of each plan period or 2) 85% of the fair market value of our common shares on each plan period purchase date. At December 31, 2013, 409,876 shares remained available for future issuance under the ESPP.
Purchase rights granted under the ESPP are valued using the Black-Scholes-Merton model. As of December 31, 2013, there was $0.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the ESPP that is expected to be recognized over a remaining period of five months. Total compensation expense was $0.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.
The fair value of each purchase right granted under the ESPP was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model with the following assumptions:
	2013			2012			2011
Risk-free interest rates	0.07% - 0.1%			0.15% - 0.61%			0.05% - 0.1%
Expected dividend yield rates	—	%		—	%		—	%
Expected term	0.5 years			0.5 years			0.5 years
Expected volatility	61.5	%		60.4	%		61.9	%
The risk free interest rate is based on the six month U.S. Treasury Bill at the time of the grant. Historical company information is the primary basis for selection of the expected dividend yield. The expected term is based on historical experience. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of our common shares using daily stock price observations.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	RETIREMENT PLANS
	We have a 401(k) profit sharing and retirement savings plan covering substantially all full-time U.S. employees. Participants may defer up to the maximum amount allowed as determined by law. Participants are immediately vested in their contributions. Profit sharing contributions to the plan, which are discretionary, are approved by the Board of Directors. Vesting in the profit sharing contribution account is based on years of service, with most participants fully vested after four years of credited service.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 our contribution for participants in our 401(k) plan was 50% matching on contributions by employees up to 6% of the employee’s compensation.
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 we recognized total defined contribution benefit plan costs of $1.0 million, $1.3 million, and $1.3 million, respectively.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	'
	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	Accumulated other comprehensive income consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Foreign Currency Adjustments		Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Balances at December 31, 2012	$	29,730	$	(5	)	$	29,725
	Current period other comprehensive income (loss)	3,733		(1		)	3,732
	Balances at December 31, 2013	$	33,463	$	(6	)	$	33,457

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Disputes and Legal Actions
	We are involved in disputes and legal actions arising in the normal course of our business. While we currently believe that the amount of any ultimate loss would not be material to our financial position, the outcome of these actions is inherently difficult to predict. In the event of an adverse outcome, the ultimate loss could have a material adverse effect on our financial position or reported results of operations. An unfavorable decision in patent litigation also could require material changes in production processes and products or result in our inability to ship products or components found to have violated third-party patent rights. We accrue loss contingencies in connection with our commitments and contingencies, including litigation, when it is probable that a loss has occurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.
	Operating Leases
	We have various operating leases for automobiles, equipment, and office and production facilities. Rent expense under operating leases was approximately $6.1 million in 2013, $5.8 million in 2012, and $6.6 million in 2011.
	The future minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
	2014	$	5,909
	2015	4,258
	2016	1,978
	2017	1,753
	2018	1,639
	Thereafter	5,226
		$	20,763
	*Future estimated payments on foreign leases are based on the estimated spot rate at December 31, 2013 and are subject to change.
	Purchase Commitments
	We have firm purchase commitments and agreements with various suppliers to ensure the availability of components. The obligation as of December 31, 2013 is approximately $68.6 million. Our policy with respect to all purchase commitments, is to record losses, if any, when they are probable and reasonably estimable. We continuously monitor these commitments for exposure to potential losses and will record a provision for losses when it is deemed necessary.

Restructuring_Costs

Restructuring Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	RESTRUCTURING COSTS
	In April 2013, we committed to a restructuring plan to take advantage of additional cost saving opportunities in connection with our acquisition of Refusol. The plan called for consolidating certain facilities, further centralizing our manufacturing and rationalizing certain products to most effectively meet customer needs. Collectively, these steps will enable us to more efficiently use our resources to achieve strategic goals.
	As a part of the product rationalization initiated under the restructuring plan, we determined that the intangible assets associated with certain technology should be tested for recoverability. To test the intangible assets for recoverability, we compared the carrying value of the assets with their fair value which resulted in an impairment of $31.9 million which is recorded in restructuring charges and asset impairment in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. All activities under this restructuring plan were completed prior to December 31, 2013.
	The following table summarizes the components of our restructuring costs incurred under the 2013 plan (in thousands):
		Twelve Months Ended		Cumulative costs through
		December 31, 2013		December 31, 2013
	Severance and related costs	$	7,002	$	7,002
	Property and equipment and intangible asset impairments	36,624		36,624
	Facility closure costs	2,769		2,769
	Total restructuring charges and asset impairments	$	46,395	$	46,395
	The following table summarizes our restructuring liabilities under the 2013 plan (in thousands):
		Balances at December 31, 2012		Costs incurred and charged to expense		Cost paid or otherwise settled			Effect of change in exchange rates		Balances at December 31, 2013
	Severance and related costs	$	—	$	7,002	$	(5,049	)	$	125	$	2,078
	Property and equipment and intangible asset impairments	—		36,624		(36,624		)	—		—
	Facility closure costs	—		2,769		(2,220		)	22		571
	Total restructuring liabilities	$	—	$	46,395	$	(43,893	)	$	147	$	2,649
	In September 2011, we approved and committed to several initiatives to realign our manufacturing and research and development activities in order to foster growth and enhance profitability. These initiatives are designed to align research and development activities with the location of our customers and reduce production costs. Under this plan, we reduced our global headcount, consolidated our facilities by terminating or exiting several leases, and recorded impairments for assets no longer in use due to the restructuring of our business. All activities under this restructuring plan were completed prior to December 31, 2012. The following table summarizes our restructuring liabilities under this plan (in thousands):
		Balances at December 31, 2012		Costs incurred and charged to expense		Cost paid or otherwise settled			Effect of change in exchange rates		Balances at December 31, 2013
	Severance and related costs	$	1,345	$	—	$	(1,128	)	$	—	$	217
	Facility closure costs	508		—		(94		)	—		414
	Total restructuring liabilities	$	1,853	$	—	$	(1,222	)	$	—	$	631

Other_Income_net

Other Income, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'
Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	OTHER INCOME, NET
	During 2013, 2012 and 2011, we participated, through our wholly-owned subsidiary AE Solar Energy, Inc., in the Solar Energy Grid Integration System Program (“SEGIS”) sponsored by the Department of Energy and administered by Sandia National Labs. Our participation in the SEGIS program is performed in stages, and revenue, net of costs incurred, is recognized in other income, net, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We invoice SEGIS upon completion of certain milestones. Net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $0.8 million, $0.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively. The revenues were recognized and recorded in other income, net, as this project does not represent commercial product sales and we are not normally engaged in research and development type projects from which revenue is generated.
	Included in Other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2012 is a $1.9 million gain on the sale of manufacturing assets to Hitachi. These assets were sold in May 2012 when we ceased our contracting manufacturing relationship with Hitachi.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	'
	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, we engaged in the following transactions with companies related to members of our Board of Directors, as described below (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Sales - related parties	$	622	$	583	$	3,874
	Rent expense - related parties	1,880		1,872		2,306
	Sales - Related Parties
	Members of our Board of Directors hold various executive positions and serve as directors at other companies, including companies that are our customers. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we had sales to one such company as noted above and there were no aggregate accounts receivable from this customer at December 31, 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2012 we had sales to two such companies as noted above and there were no aggregate accounts receivable from these customers at December 31, 2012. During the year ended December 31, 2011 we had sales to three such companies as noted above and there were no aggregate accounts receivable from these customers at December 31, 2011.
	Rent Expense - Related Parties
	We lease our executive offices, research and development, and manufacturing facilities in Fort Collins, Colorado from a limited liability partnership in which Douglas Schatz, our Chairman of the Board and former Chief Executive Officer, holds an interest. The leases relating to these spaces expire during 2021 and obligate us to total annual payments of approximately $1.9 million, which includes facilities rent and common area maintenance costs.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Our Thin Films Strategic Business Unit ("SBU") offers power conversion products for direct current, pulsed DC mid frequency, and radio frequency power supplies, matching networks, and RF instrumentation, as well as thermal instrumentation products. Our power conversion systems refine, modify, and control the raw electrical power from a utility and convert it into power that may be customized and is predictable and repeatable. Our thermal instrumentation products provide temperature measurement solutions for applications in which time-temperature cycles affect material properties, productivity, and yield. These products are used in rapid thermal processing, chemical vapor deposition, and other semiconductor and solar applications requiring non-contact temperature measurement. Our network of global service support centers offer repair services, conversions, upgrades, and refurbishments to companies using our products. Our Thin Films SBU principally serves original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and end customers in the semiconductor, flat panel display, solar panel, and other capital equipment markets.
	Our Solar Energy SBU offers both a transformer-based and a transformerless advanced grid-tied PV inverter solution primarily for commercial and utility-scale system installations. Our PV inverters are designed to convert renewable solar power, drawn from large and small scale solar arrays, into high-quality, reliable electrical power. Our Solar Energy SBU focuses on commercial and utility-scale solar projects and installations, selling primarily to distributors, engineering, procurement, and construction contractors, developers, and utility companies. Our Solar Energy revenue has seasonal variations. Installations of inverters are normally lowest during the first quarter as a result of typically poor weather and installation scheduling by our customers.
	Our chief operating decision maker, who is our Chief Executive Officer, and other management personnel regularly review our performance and make resource allocation decisions by reviewing the results of our two business segments separately. Revenue and operating profit is reviewed by our chief operating decision maker. We have also divided inventory and property and equipment based on business segment.
	Sales with respect to our operating segments is as follows (in thousands):
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012				2011
	Thin Films		$	296,535		$	235,335			$	328,614
	Solar Energy		250,469			216,596				188,185
	Total		$	547,004		$	451,931			$	516,799
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes by operating segment is as follows (in thousands):
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012				2011
	Thin Films		$	64,790		$	22,804			$	68,241
	Solar Energy		(3,772		)	14,003				4,323
	Total segment operating income		61,018			36,807				72,564
	Corporate expenses		—			(1,960		)		(15,965		)
	Restructuring charges		(46,395		)	(7,473		)		(7,348		)
	Other income (expense), net		(339		)	2,432				1,217
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes		$	14,284		$	29,806			$	50,468
	Beginning in 2012, we are allocating "corporate expenses" in full to our business units. These expenses, which include certain support functions such as legal, human resources, information technology, accounting and finance, are now allocated as noted below to the business units based on sales contribution. This change was implemented in an effort to provide investors with a clearer understanding of the business unit's operating performance. The remaining corporate expenses consist of intangible amortization from past acquisitions that management determined should not be charged to either business unit.
	Segment assets consist of inventories, net and property and equipment, net. A summary of consolidated total assets by segment follows (in thousands):
			December 31, 2013			31-Dec-12
	Thin Films		$	39,450		$	40,965
	Solar Energy		104,227			76,393
	Total segment assets		143,677			117,358
	Unallocated corporate property and equipment		982			3,647
	Unallocated corporate assets		508,318			416,237
	Consolidated total assets		$	652,977		$	537,242
	"Corporate” is a non-operating business segment with the main purpose of supporting operations. Unallocated corporate assets include accounts receivable, deferred income taxes, other current assets and intangible assets.
	We have operations in the United States, Europe and Asia. Our disclosure about sales and long-lived assets by geographic area and information relating to major customers are presented below. Sales attributed to individual countries are based on customer location.
			Years Ended December 31,
	Sales to external customers:		2013						2012						2011
			(In thousands)
	United States		$	328,330		60	%		$	322,847			71.4	%	$	338,343	65.5	%
	Canada		33,000			6	%		30,113				6.7	%	3,622		0.7	%
	North America		361,330			66.1	%		352,960				78.1	%	341,965		66.2	%
	People's Republic of China		27,420			5	%		19,987				4.4	%	38,654		7.5	%
	Other Asian countries		62,990			11.6	%		54,825				12	%	79,424		15.4	%
	Asia		90,410			16.5	%		74,812				16.6	%	118,078		22.8	%
	Germany		87,115			15.9	%		18,374				4.1	%	47,228		9.1	%
	Other European Countries		8,149			1.4	%		5,785				1.4	%	9,528		1.8	%
	Europe		95,264			17.4	%		24,159				5.3	%	56,756		11	%
	Total sales		$	547,004		100	%		$	451,931			100	%	$	516,799	100	%
	Sales to Applied Materials Inc., our largest customer, were $97.0 million or 17.4% of total sales for 2013, $63.9 million, or 14.1% of total sales, for 2012 and $68.0 million, or 13.1% of total sales for 2011. Additionally, in June 2012, Lam Research merged with Novellus Systems, Inc. Had the two businesses been a combined entity for the full year, they would have accounted for 10.7% of our sales in 2012. Our sales to Applied Materials, Lam Research, and Novellus include thin film products used in semiconductor processing and solar, flat panel display, and architectural glass applications. No other customer accounted for 10% or more of our sales during these periods.
			December 31,
			(in thousands)
	*Long lived assets:		2013			2012
	United States		$	75,097		$	118,553
	Canada		884			1,246
	Asia		3,412			3,963
	Europe		132,706			8,576
			$	212,099		$	132,338
	*	Long-lived assets include property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.

Credit_Facility

Credit Facility	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	CREDIT FACILITY
	In October 2012, we, along with two of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, AE Solar Energy, Inc. and Sekidenko, Inc., entered into a Credit Agreement, subsequently amended in November 2012 and August 2013, (the "Credit Agreement") with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo"), as agent for and on behalf of certain lenders (each a "Lender"), which provides for a new secured revolving credit facility of up to $50.0 million (the "Credit Facility"). The Credit Facility provides us with the ability to borrow up to $50.0 million, although the amount of the Credit Facility may be increased by an additional $25.0 million up to a total of $75.0 million subject to receipt of lender commitments and other conditions. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base based upon our domestic accounts receivable and inventory and are available for various corporate purposes, including general working capital, capital expenditures, and certain permitted acquisitions. The Credit Agreement also permits us to issue letters of credit. The maturity date of the Credit Facility is October 12, 2017.
	At our election, the loans comprising each borrowing will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to either: (a) a "base rate" plus between one-half (0.5%) and one (1.0%) full percentage point depending on the amount available for additional draws under the Credit Facility ("Base Rate Loan"); or (b) the LIBOR rate then in effect plus between one and one-half (1.5%) and two (2%) percentage points depending on the amount available for additional draws under the Credit Facility. The "base rate" for any Base Rate Loan will be the greatest of the federal funds rate plus one-half (0.5%) percentage point; the one-month LIBOR rate plus one (1.0%) percentage point; and Wells Fargo's "prime rate" then in effect. As of December 31, 2013, the rate in effect was 3.75%.
	The Credit Agreement requires us to pay certain fees to the Lenders and contains affirmative and negative covenants, which, among other things, require us to deliver to the Lenders specified quarterly and annual financial information, and limit us and our Guarantors (as defined below), subject to various exceptions and thresholds, from, among other things: (i) creating liens on our assets; (ii) merging with other companies or engaging in other extraordinary corporate transactions; (iii) selling certain assets or properties; (iv) entering into transactions with affiliates; (v) making certain types of investments; (vi) changing the nature of our business; and (vii) paying certain distributions or certain other payments to affiliates. Additionally, there are the following financial covenants: (i) during any period in which $12.5 million or less is available to us under the Credit Facility and for sixty (60) days thereafter, the Credit Agreement requires the maintenance of a defined consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio; and (ii) if there is any indebtedness under any issued and outstanding convertible notes, we are required to maintain a specified level of liquidity.
	The Credit Agreement requires us to pay certain fees to the Lenders, including a $2,500 collateral management fee for each month that the Credit Facility is in place, and a fee based on the unused amount of the Credit Facility. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, we expensed $0.2 million in interest and fees related to unused line of credit fees and amortization of debt issuance costs. We did not borrow against the Credit Facility in 2013.
	Pursuant to a Guaranty and Security Agreement (the "GS Agreement"), borrowings under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by our wholly-owned subsidiaries Aera Corporation and AEI US Subsidiary, Inc., (collectively the " Guarantors"). Under the GS Agreement, we and the Guarantors granted the Lenders a security interest in certain, but not all, of our and the Guarantors' assets.
	As part of the acquisition of Refusol described in Note 2. Business Acquisition and Disposition, we assumed the outstanding debt of Refusol as of the acquisition date. There were three outstanding loans with banks related to this debt, of which one was repaid and cancelled during the third quarter of 2013.
	Refusol, GmbH has an outstanding loan agreement with Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft ("Commerzbank") for up to 8.0 million Euros ("Commerzbank Loan Agreement"). The agreement allows Refusol to borrow up to 8.0 million Euros through various types of instruments including an overdraft (revolving) facilities, money market (term) loans, surety loans, or guarantees. There is no maturity date. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at 5.32%. Surety and guarantee loans bear interest at 1.5%. Money market loans are granted by separate agreement when requested and must meet certain Euro thresholds related to the value depending on the maturity date chosen. The Commerzbank Loan Agreement requires the payment of a credit commission of 0.5% of the total loan amount. The agreement contains a various covenants including a financial covenant requiring a specified level of equity. At December 31, 2013 $9.0 million was outstanding on this line of credit.
	Refusol, GmbH also had an outstanding loan agreement with Bayerische Landesbank ("Bayern") which allowed it to borrow up to 4.0 million Euros either as overdraft facilities, term loans, or guarantees with repayment occurring one lump sum at the maturity date of the individual transaction with respect to term loans, or maturity of the loan agreement which was July 31, 2013 (the "Bayern Loan Agreement"). The overdraft facility bore interest at 4.5%. Term loans bore interest at the money market rate established by Bayern at the time of the loan plus a margin of 1.9%. Guarantees bore interest at 1.25% and had an issuing fee per guarantee. Loan commitment fees were 0.25% on the unused portion of the total loan amount. The Bayern Loan Agreement contained certain reporting requirements and a financial covenant requiring a specified level of equity.
	Upon expiration of this agreement, Refusol, GmbH entered into a new loan agreement with Bayerische Landesbank ("Bayern") under which it has the ability to borrow up to 4.0 million Euros as either bank overdrafts, term loans, guarantees, or letters of credit. The overdraft facility bears interest at 3.9%, guarantees bears a rate of 1.64% and interest on term loans is a fixed rate set for each term loan period based on money market rates. Loan commitment fees are 0.25%. The loan matures on July 31, 2014. At December 31, 2013 $4.6 million was outstanding on this line of credit.
	Refusol, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Refusol, GmbH located in the United States, has a revolving line of credit with Wells Fargo with an aggregate principal amount of $1.5 million and a maturity date of July 1, 2013. Borrowings under the line of credit are secured by all of Refusol, Inc.'s accounts receivable, inventory, and property, plant, and equipment and a letter of credit issued under the Commerzbank Loan Agreement. The line of credit bears interest at either (a) a fluctuating rate per annum one quarter of one percent (0.25%) above the Prime Rate or (b) the LIBOR rate then in effect plus two percent (2.0%). Refusol, Inc. has the option to select the method of interest each month. A commitment fee of 0.125% is payable by Refusol, Inc. on the unused portion of the line of credit. The line of credit contains certain affirmative and negative covenants limiting Refusol, Inc.'s ability to borrow additional funds or guarantee the debt of others. This line of credit was paid down and cancelled on its maturity date of July 1, 2013.

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	'
	Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	The following tables present unaudited quarterly results for each of the eight quarters in the period ended December 31, 2013. We believe that all necessary adjustments have been included in the amounts stated below to present fairly such quarterly information. Due to the volatility of the industries in which our customers operate, the operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any subsequent period.
		Quarter Ended
		December 31, 2013		September 30, 2013			June 30, 2013			March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012			September 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2012			Mar. 31, 2012
		(in thousands except per share data)
	Sales	$	152,580	$	142,899		$	139,711		$	111,814	$	112,971		$	117,515	$	115,658		$	105,787
	Gross Profit	58,827		56,211			53,259			41,839		38,546			45,727		43,729			39,744
	Restructuring	2,305		19,884			24,206			—		2,039			3,003		(144		)	2,575
	Operating income (loss)	20,018		(1,542		)	(11,572		)	7,719		5,499			9,938		11,314			623
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes	34,355		687			(9,782		)	6,826		4,874			5,735		8,801			766
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	—		—			—			—		(25		)	—		127			303
	Net income (loss)	34,355		687			(9,782		)	6,826		4,849			5,735		8,928			1,069
	Earnings per Share:
	Continuing Operations:
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.85	$	0.02		$	(0.25	)	$	0.18	$	0.13		$	0.15	$	0.23		$	0.02
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.83	$	0.02		$	(0.24	)	$	0.17	$	0.13		$	0.15	$	0.22		$	0.02
	Discontinued Operations:
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	0.01
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	0.01
	Net Income (Loss):
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.85	$	0.02		$	(0.25	)	$	0.18	$	0.13		$	0.15	$	0.23		$	0.03
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.83	$	0.02		$	(0.24	)	$	0.17	$	0.13		$	0.15	$	0.23		$	0.03

Operations_and_Summary_of_Sign1

Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Note 1. Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Estimates [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments [Table Text Block]	'
	In accordance with SAB No. 108, the Company has corrected the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements by increasing 2011 beginning retained earnings by approximately $2.0 million and the respective lines in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 as follows (in thousands):
	Increase in current taxes receivable	$	636
	(Decrease) in deferred tax assets	(1,554		)
	Decrease in income tax payable	2,898
	(Increase) in retained earnings at January 1, 2011	$	(1,980	)
Schedule of Changes in Doubtful Accounts [Table Text Block]	'
	Changes in allowance for doubtful accounts are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Balances at beginning of period	$	4,589		$	6,796		$	3,440
	Additions - charged to expense	1,121			1,705			4,806
	Deductions - write-offs, net of recoveries	(2,790		)	(3,912		)	(1,450		)
	Balances at end of period	$	2,920		$	4,589		$	6,796

Business_Disposition_Tables

Business Disposition (Tables) (Gas Flow Control [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Gas Flow Control [Member]	'
Operating results of discontinued operations	'
	Operating results of discontinued operations are as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2012			2011
	Sales	$	8,959		$	27,823
	Cost of sales	9,189			27,671
	Gross profit (loss)	(230		)	152
	Operating expenses:
	Research and development	—			8
	Selling, general, and administrative	88			862
	Amortization of intangible assets	—			—
	Total operating expenses	88			870
	Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations	(318		)	(718		)
	Other income	881			(26		)
	Gain on sale of net assets of discontinued operation	—			—
	Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	563			(744		)
	Provision for income taxes
	Income taxes on income from discontinued operations	158			(204		)
	Total provision for income taxes	158			(204		)
	Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	405		$	(540	)

Business_Acquisition_and_Dispo1

Business Acquisition and Disposition Business Acquisition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Solvix [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Purchase Price [Table Text Block]	'
	The components of the fair value of the total consideration transferred for the Solvix acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
	Cash paid to owners	$	16,673
	Contingent consideration	5,253
	Cash acquired	(680		)
	Total fair value of consideration transferred	$	21,246
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of November 8, 2012 (in thousands):
	Cash	$	680
	Accounts receivable	1,074
	Inventories	57
	Other receivables	32
	Other current assets	46
	Property and equipment	43
	Accounts payable	(390		)
	Accrued payroll and employee benefits	(186		)
	Other accrued expenses	(159		)
	Customer deposits	(38		)
	Deferred tax liabilities	(1,628		)
		(469		)
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Trademarks	106
	Technology	2,723
	Customer relationships	5,398
	Total amortizable intangible assets	8,227
	Total identifiable net assets	7,758
	Goodwill	13,488
	Total fair value of consideration transferred	$	21,246
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of the intangible assets acquired, amortization method and estimated useful lives as of November 8, 2012 follows (in thousands, except useful life):
			Amount		Amortization Method		Useful Life
	Trademarks		$	106	Straight-line		3
	Technology		2,723		Straight-line		9
	Customer relationships - other		755		Straight-line		7
	Customer relationships - design		4,643		Straight-line		12
			$	8,227
Refusol [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	'
	The unaudited pro forma results follow (in thousands, except per share data):
		(Unaudited)
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013		2012
	Sales		$	567,087	$	622,388
	Net income		27,380		19,978
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		$	0.69	$	0.51
	Diluted		$	0.67	$	0.5
Schedule of Purchase Price [Table Text Block]	'
	The components of the fair value of the total consideration transferred for the Refusol acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
	Cash paid to owners	$	79,550
	Debt assumed	11,873
	Working capital adjustment	(2,340		)
	Cash acquired	(1,836		)
	Total fair value of consideration transferred	$	87,247
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of April 8, 2013 (in thousands):
	Accounts receivable	$	9,929
	Inventories	15,245
	Other current assets	6,769
	Property and equipment	4,746
	Other long-term assets	130
	Deferred tax assets	222
	Current liabilities	(21,094		)
	Long-term liabilities	(30,673		)
		(14,726		)
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Trademarks	1,300
	Technology	5,700
	Customer relationships	3,500
	Total amortizable intangible assets	10,500
	Total identifiable net assets	(4,226		)
	Goodwill	91,473
	Total fair value of consideration transferred	$	87,247
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of the intangible assets acquired, amortization method and estimated useful lives as of April 8, 2013 follows (in thousands, except useful life):
			Amount		Amortization Method		Useful Life
	Trademarks		$	1,300	Straight-line		1.5
	Technology		5,700		Straight-line		5
	Customer relationships		3,500		Straight-line		5
			$	10,500

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	'
	The geographic distribution of pretax income (loss) is as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Domestic	$	(9,480	)	$	17,905		$	54,339
	Foreign	23,764			11,901			(3,871		)
		$	14,284		$	29,806		$	50,468
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	Significant deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets
	Stock based compensation	7,887			9,460
	Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	8,723			6,106
	Excess and obsolete inventory	4,207			5,381
	Warranty reserve	11			4,024
	Deferred revenue	12,338			3,958
	Vacation accrual	1,253			700
	Restructuring	2,087			515
	Bad debt reserve	402			415
	Employee bonuses and commissions	98			36
	Unrealized gain/loss	587			—
	Other	540			—
	Deferred tax assets	$	38,133		$	30,595
	Less: Valuation allowance	(2,158		)	(2,551		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	35,975		$	28,044
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Depreciation and amortization	5,069			16,342
	Purchase accounting	2,686			—
	Foreign other	1,565			—
	Other	440			750
	Deferred tax liabilities	$	9,760		$	17,092
	Net deferred tax assets/liabilities	$	26,215		$	10,952
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	The following reconciles our effective tax rate on income from continuing operations to the federal statutory rate of 35% (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Income taxes per federal statutory rate	$	5,000		$	10,433		$	17,664
	State income taxes, net of federal deduction	(1,553		)	417			777
	Change in valuation allowance	(393		)	1,694			—
	Stock based compensation	(296		)	745			1,150
	Tax effect of foreign operations	(15,520		)	(2,166		)	(3,192		)
	Tax credits	(2,691		)	(1,317		)	(1,432		)
	Domestic production activity benefit	(408		)	(327		)	(1,436		)
	Uncertain Tax Position reserves, net of releases	(2,723		)	—			—
	Reorganization costs	576			—			—
	Other permanent items, net	206			151			83
	Total provision for income taxes	$	(17,802	)	$	9,630		$	13,614
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	'
	The provision for income taxes is summarized as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	(6,866	)	$	11,248		$	9,101
	State and local	(530		)	2,273			970
	Foreign taxes	5,614			2,637			180
	Total current provision	$	(1,782	)	$	16,158		$	10,251
	Deferred:
	Federal	$	(12,023	)	$	(7,914	)	$	3,525
	State and local	(1,208		)	(1,174		)	145
	Foreign taxes	(2,789		)	2,560			(307		)
	Total deferred provision	(16,020		)	(6,528		)	3,363
	Total provision for income taxes	$	(17,802	)	$	9,630		$	13,614
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	'
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance at beginning of period	$	12,810		$	16,018		$	15,665
	Additions based on tax positions taken during a prior period	1,006			—			—
	Additions based on tax positions taken during the current period	1,495			295			353
	Reductions related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations	(9,788		)	(3,503		)	—
	Balance at end of period	$	5,523		$	12,810		$	16,018

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of the weighted-average shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the weighted-average shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 (in thousands, except per share data):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	$	32,086		$	20,176		$	36,854
	Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding	39,597			38,879			43,465
	Assumed exercise of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units	1,070			568			489
	Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding	40,667			39,447			43,954
	Income from continuing operations:
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.81		$	0.52		$	0.85
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.79		$	0.51		$	0.84
Schedule of stock options and restricted units were excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive	'
	The following stock options and restricted units were excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012			2011
	Stock options	413		4,960			4,550
	Restricted stock units	—		—			18

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
The composition of our marketable securities	'
	The composition of our marketable securities is as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,					December 31,
		2013					2012
		Cost			Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
	Commercial paper	$	—		$	—	$	749	$	749
	Certificates of deposit	11,568			11,568		12,498		12,498
	Corporate bonds/notes	—			—		11,274		11,253
	Municipal bonds/notes	—			—		285		285
	Agency bonds/notes	—			—		900		898
	Total marketable securities	$	11,568		$	11,568	$	25,706	$	25,683
The maturities of our marketable securities available for sale	'
	The maturities of our marketable securities available for sale as of December 31, 2013 are as follows:
		Earliest			Latest
	Certificates of deposit	1/21/14		to	11/4/15

Assets_and_Liabilities_Measure1

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of financial assets measured at fair value, on a recurring basis	'
	The following tables present information about our financial assets measured at fair value, on a recurring basis, as of December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012. The tables indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value. We did not have any financial liabilities measured at fair value, on a recurring basis, as of December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012.
	December 31, 2013	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
		(In thousands)
	Certificates of deposit	$	—	$	11,568	$	—	$	11,568
	Total marketable securities	$	—	$	11,568	$	—	$	11,568
	December 31, 2012	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
		(In thousands)
	Commercial paper	$	—	$	749	$	—	$	749
	Certificates of deposit	—		12,498		—		12,498
	Corporate bonds/notes	—		11,253		—		11,253
	Municipal bonds/notes	—		285		—		285
	Agency bonds/notes	898		—		—		898
	Total marketable securities	$	898	$	24,785	$	—	$	25,683

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of inventories	'
	Our inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market and computed on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. Components of inventories are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Parts and raw materials	$	75,815	$	59,484
	Work in process	3,507		3,728
	Finished goods	30,449		18,270
		$	109,771	$	81,482

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Details of property and equipment	'
	Details of property and equipment are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Buildings and land	$	1,807		$	1,794
	Machinery and equipment	41,451			40,993
	Computer and communication equipment	23,117			22,895
	Furniture and fixtures	4,028			1,845
	Vehicles	367			359
	Leasehold improvements	24,369			27,976
	Construction in process	5,426			3,362
		100,565			99,224
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	(65,677		)	(59,701		)
	Total property and equipment, net	$	34,888		$	39,523
Depreciation expense recorded in continuing operations	'
	Depreciation expense recorded in continuing operations and included in selling, general and administrative expense is as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Depreciation expense	$	12,729		$	12,090		$	10,673

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of the changes in goodwill	'
	The following summarizes the changes in goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012
	Gross carrying amount, beginning of period	$	60,391	$	46,515
	Additions and adjustments	91,473		13,499
	Translation adjustments	5,936		377
	Gross carrying amount, end of period	$	157,800	$	60,391
	Additions during the year represent the difference between the purchase price paid and the values assigned to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in purchase accounting, as described in Note 2, Business Acquisition and Disposition.

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of other intangible assets	'
	Other intangible assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands, except weighted-average useful life):
			Gross Carrying Amount			Effect of Changes in Exchange Rates			Impairment and Other Charges			Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Weighted-Average Useful Life in Years
	Amortizable intangibles:
	Technology-based		$	50,368		$	441		$	(26,168	)	$	(14,712	)	$	9,929	4
	Trademarks and other		18,515			514			(5,705		)	(3,842		)	9,482		7
	Total intangible assets		$	68,883		$	955		$	(31,873	)	$	(18,554	)	$	19,411
	Other intangible assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands, except weighted-average useful life):
			Gross Carrying Amount			Effect of Changes in Exchange Rates			Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount			Weighted-Average Useful Life in Years
	Amortizable intangibles:
	Technology-based		$	44,668		$	83		$	(10,775	)	$	33,976		7
	Trademarks and other		13,703			167			(1,637		)	12,233			9
	Total intangible assets		$	58,371		$	250		$	(12,412	)	$	46,209
Schedule of amortization expense relating to other intangible assets	'
	Amortization expense relating to other intangible assets included in our income from continuing operations is as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Amortization expense	$	6,142		$	5,696		$	3,852
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	'
	Estimated amortization expense related to intangibles for each of the five years 2014 through 2018 and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending December 31,
	2014		$	5,116
	2015		4,022
	2016		2,787
	2017		2,787
	2018		1,328
	Thereafter		3,371
			$	19,411

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Accrued liabilities:
	Current deferred tax liability	$	4,519	$	4,137
	Accrued restructuring costs	3,280		1,852
	Current contingent consideration	933		2,773
	Accrued sales and use tax	2,415		1,010
	Other	9,557		5,627
	Total accrued liabilities	$	20,704	$	15,399

Warranties_Tables

Warranties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Changes in accrued product warranties	'
	Changes in product warranty accruals are as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Balances at beginning of period	$	14,797		$	14,719		$	12,949
	Warranty liabilities acquired	10,678			—			—
	Increases to accruals related to sales during the period	14,087			7,561			10,203
	Warranty expenditures	(17,495		)	(7,483		)	(8,433		)
	Balances at end of period	$	22,067		$	14,797		$	14,719

StockBased_Compensation_StockB

Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
	The weighted-average fair value of options issued and total intrinsic value of options exercised were (in thousands, except share prices):
		2013				2012				2011
	Weighted-average grant date fair value of options	$	10.55			$	6.24			$	6.68
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$	12,917			$	1,697			$	896
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	'
	Information about our stock options that are outstanding, options that we expect to vest and options that are exercisable at December 31, 2013 follows (in thousands except share prices and lives):
	Options Expected to Vest:	Number			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Options outstanding	2,812			$	12.27			6.7 years		$	29,787
	Options expected to vest	2,597			12.41				6.6 years		27,164
	Options exercisable	1,243			12.82				5.4 years		12,505
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	'
	The fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model using the following assumptions by grant year (except the market awards granted to our Chief Executive Officer as noted above):
		2013		2012		2011
	Fair value assumptions - stock options:
	Risk-free interest rates	0.74%		0.6% - 1.2%		1.09% - 2.4%
	Expected dividend yield rates	—%		—%		—%
	Expected term	5.6 years		5.9 years		5.5 years
	Expected volatility	69%		61.50%		58%
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes information about the stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in thousands, except share prices and lives):
		Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices	Number Outstanding			Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life		Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Number Exercisable			Weighted-Average Exercise Price
	$7.15 to $7.95	132			2.2 years		$	7.35			132			$	7.35
	$8.65 to $8.65	384			7.6 years		8.65				218			8.65
	$8.95 to $10.90	160			6.3 years		9.61				83			9.7
	$11.02 to $11.02	871			8.0 years		11.02				98			11.02
	$11.21 to $12.77	293			7.0 years		12.24				153			12.18
	$12.80 to $14.21	331			6.4 years		13.82				165			13.79
	$14.40 to $15.65	327			6.6 years		14.82				161			14.88
	$16.13 to $22.30	272			4.2 years		18.61				191			19.28
	$22.47 to $22.47	21			3.6 years		22.47				21			22.47
	$24.21 to $24.21	21			3.3 years		24.21				21			24.21
	$7.15 to $24.21	2,812			6.7 years		12.27				1,243			12.82
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
	The weighted-average fair value of RSUs issued and total fair value of RSUs converted to shares were (in thousands, except share prices):
		2013				2012				2011
	Weighted-average grant date fair value of RSUs	$	17.73			$	11.2			$	12.94
	Total fair value of RSUs converted to shares	$	11,032			$	8,908			$	1,974
Employee Stock [Member]	'
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	'
	The fair value of each purchase right granted under the ESPP was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model with the following assumptions:
		2013			2012			2011
	Risk-free interest rates	0.07% - 0.1%			0.15% - 0.61%			0.05% - 0.1%
	Expected dividend yield rates	—	%		—	%		—	%
	Expected term	0.5 years			0.5 years			0.5 years
	Expected volatility	61.5	%		60.4	%		61.9	%
Performance Based [Member]	'
Schedule of Stock Options Roll Forward [Table Text Block]	'
	Changes in outstanding performance based stock options during the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands, except share prices):
		2013							2012							2011
		Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price
	Changes in outstanding stock options:
	Options outstanding at beginning of year	1,623			$	12.65			225			$	24.75			—		$	—
	Options granted	43			17.8				1,660			11.15				225		24.75
	Options exercised	(89	)		11.02				—			—				—		—
	Options forfeited	(87	)		11.02				(262	)		11.02				—		—
	Options expired	(251	)		11.1				—			—				—		—
	Options outstanding at end of year	1,239			13.38				1,623			12.65				225		24.75
	Options vested during the year	314							—							—
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	'
	Changes in the unvested performance based restricted stock units during the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		2013							2012							2011
		Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value				Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value				Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Balance at beginning of year	1,631			$	11.15			—			$	—			—		$	—
	RSUs granted	50			17.8				1,937			11.13				—		—
	RSUs vested	(235	)		11.1				—			—				—		—
	RSUs forfeited	(102	)		11.02				(306	)		11.02				—		—
	Balance at beginning of year	1,344			11.42				1,631			11.15				—		—
Time Based [Member]	'
Schedule of Stock Options Roll Forward [Table Text Block]	'
	Changes in outstanding time based stock options during the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands, except share prices):
		2013							2012							2011
		Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price
	Changes in outstanding stock options:
	Options outstanding at beginning of year	4,036			$	13.61			5,596			$	14.04			5,709		$	14.72
	Options granted	—			—				18			11.67				1,518		12.52
	Options exercised	(2,055	)		13.31				(446	)		9.17				(216	)	10.6
	Options forfeited	(199	)		13.01				(455	)		12.99				(886	)	13.2
	Options expired	(209	)		19.74				(677	)		20.41				(529	)	19.73
	Options outstanding at end of year	1,573			13.29				4,036			13.61				5,596		14.04
	Options vested during the year	294							73							49
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	'
	Changes in the unvested time based restricted stock units during the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		2013							2012							2011
		Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value				Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value				Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Balance at beginning of year	442			$	12.96			764			$	12.99			447		$	13.82
	RSUs granted	99			17.58				75			12.93				623		13.72
	RSUs vested	(242	)		12.99				(253	)		12.93				(147	)	15.56
	RSUs forfeited	(69	)		12.88				(144	)		12.94				(159	)	13.32
	Balance at beginning of year	230			13.41				442			12.96				764		12.99

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income	'
	Accumulated other comprehensive income consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Foreign Currency Adjustments		Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Balances at December 31, 2012	$	29,730	$	(5	)	$	29,725
	Current period other comprehensive income (loss)	3,733		(1		)	3,732
	Balances at December 31, 2013	$	33,463	$	(6	)	$	33,457

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block]	'
	The future minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
	2014	$	5,909
	2015	4,258
	2016	1,978
	2017	1,753
	2018	1,639
	Thereafter	5,226
		$	20,763

Restructuring_Costs_Tables

Restructuring Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
April Two Thousand Thirteen Restructuring Plan [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Schedule of restructuring liabilities	'
	The following table summarizes our restructuring liabilities under the 2013 plan (in thousands):
		Balances at December 31, 2012		Costs incurred and charged to expense		Cost paid or otherwise settled			Effect of change in exchange rates		Balances at December 31, 2013
	Severance and related costs	$	—	$	7,002	$	(5,049	)	$	125	$	2,078
	Property and equipment and intangible asset impairments	—		36,624		(36,624		)	—		—
	Facility closure costs	—		2,769		(2,220		)	22		571
	Total restructuring liabilities	$	—	$	46,395	$	(43,893	)	$	147	$	2,649
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the components of our restructuring costs incurred under the 2013 plan (in thousands):
		Twelve Months Ended		Cumulative costs through
		December 31, 2013		December 31, 2013
	Severance and related costs	$	7,002	$	7,002
	Property and equipment and intangible asset impairments	36,624		36,624
	Facility closure costs	2,769		2,769
	Total restructuring charges and asset impairments	$	46,395	$	46,395
September Two Thousand Eleven Restructuring Plan [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Schedule of restructuring liabilities	'
	In September 2011, we approved and committed to several initiatives to realign our manufacturing and research and development activities in order to foster growth and enhance profitability. These initiatives are designed to align research and development activities with the location of our customers and reduce production costs. Under this plan, we reduced our global headcount, consolidated our facilities by terminating or exiting several leases, and recorded impairments for assets no longer in use due to the restructuring of our business. All activities under this restructuring plan were completed prior to December 31, 2012. The following table summarizes our restructuring liabilities under this plan (in thousands):
		Balances at December 31, 2012		Costs incurred and charged to expense		Cost paid or otherwise settled			Effect of change in exchange rates		Balances at December 31, 2013
	Severance and related costs	$	1,345	$	—	$	(1,128	)	$	—	$	217
	Facility closure costs	508		—		(94		)	—		414
	Total restructuring liabilities	$	1,853	$	—	$	(1,222	)	$	—	$	631

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Schedule of related party transactions	'
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, we engaged in the following transactions with companies related to members of our Board of Directors, as described below (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Sales - related parties	$	622	$	583	$	3,874
	Rent expense - related parties	1,880		1,872		2,306

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Sales with respect to operating segments	'
	Sales with respect to our operating segments is as follows (in thousands):
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012				2011
	Thin Films		$	296,535		$	235,335			$	328,614
	Solar Energy		250,469			216,596				188,185
	Total		$	547,004		$	451,931			$	516,799
Schedule of income from continuing operations before income taxes by operating segment	'
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes by operating segment is as follows (in thousands):
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012				2011
	Thin Films		$	64,790		$	22,804			$	68,241
	Solar Energy		(3,772		)	14,003				4,323
	Total segment operating income		61,018			36,807				72,564
	Corporate expenses		—			(1,960		)		(15,965		)
	Restructuring charges		(46,395		)	(7,473		)		(7,348		)
	Other income (expense), net		(339		)	2,432				1,217
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes		$	14,284		$	29,806			$	50,468
Summary of consolidated total assets by segment	'
	A summary of consolidated total assets by segment follows (in thousands):
			December 31, 2013			31-Dec-12
	Thin Films		$	39,450		$	40,965
	Solar Energy		104,227			76,393
	Total segment assets		143,677			117,358
	Unallocated corporate property and equipment		982			3,647
	Unallocated corporate assets		508,318			416,237
	Consolidated total assets		$	652,977		$	537,242
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block]	'
			Years Ended December 31,
	Sales to external customers:		2013						2012						2011
			(In thousands)
	United States		$	328,330		60	%		$	322,847			71.4	%	$	338,343	65.5	%
	Canada		33,000			6	%		30,113				6.7	%	3,622		0.7	%
	North America		361,330			66.1	%		352,960				78.1	%	341,965		66.2	%
	People's Republic of China		27,420			5	%		19,987				4.4	%	38,654		7.5	%
	Other Asian countries		62,990			11.6	%		54,825				12	%	79,424		15.4	%
	Asia		90,410			16.5	%		74,812				16.6	%	118,078		22.8	%
	Germany		87,115			15.9	%		18,374				4.1	%	47,228		9.1	%
	Other European Countries		8,149			1.4	%		5,785				1.4	%	9,528		1.8	%
	Europe		95,264			17.4	%		24,159				5.3	%	56,756		11	%
	Total sales		$	547,004		100	%		$	451,931			100	%	$	516,799	100	%
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]	'
			December 31,
			(in thousands)
	*Long lived assets:		2013			2012
	United States		$	75,097		$	118,553
	Canada		884			1,246
	Asia		3,412			3,963
	Europe		132,706			8,576
			$	212,099		$	132,338
	*	Long-lived assets include property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present unaudited quarterly results for each of the eight quarters in the period ended December 31, 2013. We believe that all necessary adjustments have been included in the amounts stated below to present fairly such quarterly information. Due to the volatility of the industries in which our customers operate, the operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any subsequent period.
		Quarter Ended
		December 31, 2013		September 30, 2013			June 30, 2013			March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012			September 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2012			Mar. 31, 2012
		(in thousands except per share data)
	Sales	$	152,580	$	142,899		$	139,711		$	111,814	$	112,971		$	117,515	$	115,658		$	105,787
	Gross Profit	58,827		56,211			53,259			41,839		38,546			45,727		43,729			39,744
	Restructuring	2,305		19,884			24,206			—		2,039			3,003		(144		)	2,575
	Operating income (loss)	20,018		(1,542		)	(11,572		)	7,719		5,499			9,938		11,314			623
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes	34,355		687			(9,782		)	6,826		4,874			5,735		8,801			766
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	—		—			—			—		(25		)	—		127			303
	Net income (loss)	34,355		687			(9,782		)	6,826		4,849			5,735		8,928			1,069
	Earnings per Share:
	Continuing Operations:
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.85	$	0.02		$	(0.25	)	$	0.18	$	0.13		$	0.15	$	0.23		$	0.02
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.83	$	0.02		$	(0.24	)	$	0.17	$	0.13		$	0.15	$	0.22		$	0.02
	Discontinued Operations:
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	0.01
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	0.01
	Net Income (Loss):
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.85	$	0.02		$	(0.25	)	$	0.18	$	0.13		$	0.15	$	0.23		$	0.03
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.83	$	0.02		$	(0.24	)	$	0.17	$	0.13		$	0.15	$	0.23		$	0.03

Operations_and_Summary_of_Sign2

Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates Summary of Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Changes in Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	$2,920	$4,589	$6,796	$3,440
Provision for Doubtful Accounts	1,121	1,705	4,806	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Charge-offs	($2,790)	($3,912)	($1,450)	'

Operations_and_Summary_of_Sign3

Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 08, 2012

Apr. 08, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Building [Member]

Building [Member]

Machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures and vehicles [Member]

Machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures and vehicles [Member]

Solvix [Member]

Refusol [Member]

Customer Concentration Risk [Member]

Customer Concentration Risk [Member]

Customer Concentration Risk [Member]

Customer Concentration Risk [Member]

Retained Earnings [Member]

Retained Earnings [Member]

Retained Earnings [Member]

Retained Earnings [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Applied Materials, Inc. [Member]

Hitachi Metals, Ltd. [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent

$464,462,000

$409,319,000

$389,611,000

$373,968,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$179,414,000

$147,328,000

$126,747,000

$88,453,000

Concentration Risk, Contributor

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'22.0

'10.9

'

'

'

'

Concentration Risk, Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

10.00%

17.40%

13.00%

'

'

'

'

Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life

'

'

'

'

'20 years 0 months

'40 years 0 months

'3 years 0 months

'10 years 0 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,246,000

87,247,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)

-31,900,000

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred Revenue Related To Extended Warranty Contracts

43,200,000

'

20,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Customer Deposits And Deferred Revenue Current

$6,955,000

'

$2,080,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operations_and_Summary_of_Sign4

Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates Summary of Useful Life Property Plant and Equipment (Details) (Minimum [Member], Building [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member] | Building [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'20 years 0 months

Operations_and_Summary_of_Sign5

Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates Schedule of Tax Error Correction (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Current Income Taxes Receivable [Member]	'
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment	$636
Deferred Tax Asset [Domain]	'
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment	-1,554
Income Taxes Payable [Member]	'
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment	2,898
Retained Earnings [Member]	'
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment	($1,980)

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_U

Property Plant and Equipment Useful Life (Details) (Computer and Communication Equipment [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Computer and Communication Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'3 years 0 months

Business_Disposition_Details

Business Disposition (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 15, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets	'	$1,900,000	'
Gas Flow Control [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue	'	8,959,000	27,823,000
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses	43,300,000	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets	'	0	0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold	'	9,189,000	27,671,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Gross Profit (Loss)	'	-230,000	152,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Research and Development	'	0	8,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Selling, General and Administrative	'	88,000	862,000
Disposal Group, Amortization of Intangible Assets	'	0	0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense	'	88,000	870,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss)	'	-318,000	-718,000
Discontinued Operation, Amount of Other Income (Loss) from Disposition of Discontinued Operations, before Income Tax	'	881,000	-26,000
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	'	563,000	-744,000
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation	'	158,000	-204,000
Income Taxes on Income from Discontinued Operations	'	158,000	-204,000
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	'	$405,000	($540,000)

Business_Acquisition_and_Dispo2

Business Acquisition and Disposition Proforma Results (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$34,355	$687	($9,782)	$6,826	$4,849	$5,735	$8,928	$1,069	$32,086	$20,581	$36,314
Refusol [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	567,087	622,388	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-6,100	'	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$27,380	$19,978	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.69	$0.51	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.67	$0.50	'

Business_Acquisition_and_Dispo3

Business Acquisition and Disposition Narrative (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 08, 2012

Apr. 08, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Solvix [Member]

Solvix [Member]

Solvix [Member]

Refusol [Member]

Refusol [Member]

Other Accrued Expenses [Member]

Other Long Term Liabilities [Member]

Solvix [Member]

Solvix [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquistion, Cost of Acquired Entity, Contract Price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$21,246,000

$87,247,000

'

'

'

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75,374,000

15,313,000

'

0

16,000,000

'

'

75,400,000

'

'

'

Revenue, Net

152,580,000

142,899,000

139,711,000

111,814,000

112,971,000

117,515,000

115,658,000

105,787,000

547,004,000

451,931,000

'

516,799,000

'

'

'

'

61,600,000

'

'

Amortization of intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,142,000

5,696,000

'

3,852,000

'

'

'

'

2,100,000

'

'

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent

34,355,000

687,000

-9,782,000

6,826,000

4,849,000

5,735,000

8,928,000

1,069,000

32,086,000

20,581,000

'

36,314,000

'

'

'

'

-6,100,000

'

'

Restructuring Charges

2,305,000

19,884,000

24,206,000

0

2,039,000

3,003,000

-144,000

2,575,000

46,395,000

7,473,000

'

7,348,000

'

'

'

'

3,800,000

'

'

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,900,000

5,253,000

'

'

933,000

2,269,898.22

Entity Number of Employees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Revenue Reported by Acquired Entity for Last Annual Period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$170,500,000

$5,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business_Acquisition_and_Dispo4

Business Acquisition and Disposition Schedule of Components of Fair Value of Consideration Transferred (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	2 Months Ended
	Apr. 08, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 08, 2012
	Refusol [Member]	Solvix [Member]	Solvix [Member]	Solvix [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$79,550,000	$16,673,000	'	'
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	'	'	7,900,000	5,253,000
Cash Acquired from Acquisition	1,836,000	680,000	'	'
Business Acquistion, Cost of Acquired Entity, Contract Price	87,247,000	'	'	21,246,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities	11,873,000	'	'	'
Purchase Price Working Capital Reduction	($2,340,000)	'	'	'

Business_Acquisition_and_Dispo5

Business Acquisition and Disposition Summary of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 08, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Apr. 08, 2013

Nov. 08, 2012

Apr. 08, 2013

Nov. 08, 2012

Apr. 08, 2013

Nov. 08, 2012

Apr. 08, 2013

Nov. 08, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Refusol [Member]

Solvix [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Patented Technology [Member]

Patented Technology [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Refusol [Member]

Solvix [Member]

Refusol [Member]

Solvix [Member]

Refusol [Member]

Solvix [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash

'

'

'

'

'

$680

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables

'

'

'

'

9,929

1,074

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory

'

'

'

'

15,245

57

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Other Receivables

'

'

'

'

'

32

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Current Assets

'

'

'

'

6,769

46

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment

'

'

'

'

4,746

43

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets

'

'

'

'

130

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets

'

222

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable

'

'

'

'

21,094

390

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities, Accrued Payroll and Employee Benefits

'

'

'

'

'

186

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other

'

'

'

'

'

159

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities, Customer Deposits

'

'

'

'

30,673

38

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent

'

'

'

'

'

-1,628

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Tangible Assets

'

'

'

'

-14,726

-469

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles

'

'

'

'

10,500

8,227

1,300

106

5,700

2,723

3,500

5,398

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net

'

'

'

'

-4,226

7,758

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

157,800

'

60,391

46,515

91,473

13,488

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net

'

'

'

'

'

21,246

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquistion, Cost of Acquired Entity, Contract Price

'

'

'

'

$87,247

$21,246

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business_Acquisition_and_Dispo6

Business Acquisition and Disposition Schedule of Intangible Assets Acquired, Amortization Method, and Estimated Useful Lives (Details) (USD $)

Apr. 08, 2013

Nov. 08, 2012

Apr. 08, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 08, 2012

Apr. 08, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 08, 2012

Apr. 08, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 08, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 08, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Refusol [Member]

Solvix [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Patented Technology [Member]

Patented Technology [Member]

Patented Technology [Member]

Customer Relationships - Other [Member]

Customer Relationships - Other [Member]

Customer Relationships - Other [Member]

Customer Relationships - Design [Member]

Customer Relationships - Design [Member]

Refusol [Member]

Solvix [Member]

Solvix [Member]

Refusol [Member]

Solvix [Member]

Solvix [Member]

Refusol [Member]

Solvix [Member]

Solvix [Member]

Solvix [Member]

Solvix [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles

$10,500

$8,227

$1,300

'

$106

$5,700

'

$2,723

$3,500

'

$755

'

$4,643

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Method

'

'

'Straight-line

'Straight-line

'

'Straight-line

'Straight-line

'

'Straight-line

'Straight-line

'

'Straight-line

'

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

'

'

'1 year 6 months

'3 years 0 months

'

'5 years 0 months

'9 years 0 months

'

'5 years 0 months

'7 years 0 months

'

'12 years 0 months

'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$700,000	$18,600,000	$61,900,000	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	5,500,000	'	'	'
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries	119,200,000	'	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	5,523,000	12,810,000	16,018,000	15,665,000
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic	-9,480,000	17,905,000	54,339,000	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Bonuses	98,000	36,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Warranty Reserves	11,000	4,024,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Asset, Bad Debt Reserve	402,000	415,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Asset Vacation Accrual	1,253,000	700,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Restructuring Charges	2,087,000	515,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory	4,207,000	5,381,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income	12,338,000	3,958,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	8,723,000	6,106,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment	5,069,000	16,342,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	540,000	0	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	2,158,000	2,551,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	26,215,000	10,952,000	'	'
GERMANY	'	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	12,800,000	'	'	'
JAPAN	'	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$5,600,000	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)	($6,866)	$11,248	$9,101
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)	-530	2,273	970
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)	5,614	2,637	180
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-12,023	-7,914	3,525
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-1,208	-1,174	145
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-2,789	2,560	-307
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($17,802)	$9,630	$13,614

Income_Taxes_Composition_of_De

Income Taxes Composition of Deferred Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Bonuses	$98,000	$36,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Warranty Reserves	11,000	4,024,000
Deferred Tax Asset, Bad Debt Reserve	402,000	415,000
Deferred Tax Asset Vacation Accrual	1,253,000	700,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Restructuring Charges	2,087,000	515,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory	4,207,000	5,381,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income	12,338,000	3,958,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	8,723,000	6,106,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	540,000	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	2,158,000	2,551,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	26,215,000	10,952,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment	$5,069,000	$16,342,000

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Curre

Income Taxes Schedule of Current and Deferred Tax Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost	$7,887,000	$9,460,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	8,723,000	6,106,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory	4,207,000	5,381,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Warranty Reserves	11,000	4,024,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income	12,338,000	3,958,000
Deferred Tax Asset Vacation Accrual	1,253,000	700,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Restructuring Charges	2,087,000	515,000
Deferred Tax Asset, Bad Debt Reserve	402,000	415,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Bonuses	98,000	36,000
Deferred Tax Asset, Unrealized Gain/Loss	587,000	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	540,000	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	38,133,000	30,595,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	-2,158,000	-2,551,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	35,975,000	28,044,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment	5,069,000	16,342,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Purchase Accounting	2,686,000	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Foreign Other	1,565,000	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	440,000	750,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	9,760,000	17,092,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current	10,746,000	19,477,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent	21,488,000	12,444,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	$26,215,000	$10,952,000

Income_Taxes_Earnings_Before_I

Income Taxes Earnings Before Income Taxes by Geographical Area (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic	($9,480)	$17,905	$54,339
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign	23,764	11,901	-3,871
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$14,284	$29,806	$50,468

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes Reconciliation of Tax Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$5,523	$12,810	$16,018	$15,665
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	1,006	0	0	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	1,495	295	353	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations	($9,788)	($3,503)	$0	'

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of1

Income Taxes Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount	$5,000	$10,433	$17,664
Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation, Reorganization Costs, Amount	576	0	0
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount	-1,553	417	777
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	-393	1,694	0
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost, Amount	-296	745	1,150
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount	-15,520	-2,166	-3,192
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Amount	-2,691	-1,317	-1,432
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Amount	-408	-327	-1,436
Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Uncertain Tax Position Reserves, net	-2,723	0	0
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount	206	151	83
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($17,802)	$9,630	$13,614

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 15, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$75,000,000	'	$25,000,000	'	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares	'	6.4	'	'	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	'	$75,000,000	'	$57,118,000	$17,895,000

Earnings_Per_Share_Reconciliat

Earnings Per Share Reconciliation of the weighted-average shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	$34,355	$687	($9,782)	$6,826	$4,874	$5,735	$8,801	$766	$32,086	$20,176	$36,854
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	39,597	38,879	43,465
Assumed exercise of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,070	568	489
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	40,667	39,447	43,954
Income from Continuing Operations:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (in dollars per share)	$0.85	$0.02	($0.25)	$0.18	$0.13	$0.15	$0.23	$0.02	$0.81	$0.52	$0.85
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.83	$0.02	($0.24)	$0.17	$0.13	$0.15	$0.22	$0.02	$0.79	$0.51	$0.84

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_of

Earnings Per Share Schedule of stock options and restricted units were excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock options and restricted units excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive	413	4,960	4,550
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock options and restricted units excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive	0	0	18

Marketable_Securities_Details

Marketable Securities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	$11,568	$25,683
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	11,568	25,706
Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	0	749
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	0	749
Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	11,568	12,498
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	11,568	12,498
Corporate Bonds/Notes [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	0	11,253
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	0	11,274
Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	0	285
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	0	285
Agency Bonds/Notes [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	0	898
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$0	$900

Marketable_Securities_The_matu

Marketable Securities The maturities of our marketable securities available for sale (Details) (Certificates of Deposit [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Maximum [Member]	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Maturities of marketable securites, by date	4-Nov-15
Minimum [Member]	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Maturities of marketable securites, by date	21-Jan-14

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	$25	$20.50	$32.30
Foreign Exchange [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) recognized during the period	($0.90)	($0.50)	$1.60

Assets_and_Liabilities_Measure2

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Schedule of financial assets measured at fair value, on a recurring basis (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	$11,568	$25,683
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	0	898
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	11,568	24,785
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	0	0
Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	'	749
Commercial Paper [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	'	0
Commercial Paper [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	'	749
Commercial Paper [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	'	0
Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	11,568	12,498
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	0	0
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	11,568	12,498
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	0	0
Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	'	285
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	'	0
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	'	285
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	'	0
Corporate Bonds/Notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	'	11,253
Corporate Bonds/Notes [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	'	0
Corporate Bonds/Notes [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	'	11,253
Corporate Bonds/Notes [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	'	0
Agency Bonds/Notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	'	898
Agency Bonds/Notes [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	'	898
Agency Bonds/Notes [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	'	0
Agency Bonds/Notes [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of recurring assets	'	$0

Inventories_Components_of_inve

Inventories Components of inventories (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Parts and raw materials	$75,815,000	$59,484,000
Work in process	3,507,000	3,728,000
Finished goods	30,449,000	18,270,000
Inventory, Net	$109,771,000	$81,482,000

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment Details of property and equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$100,565	$99,224
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-65,677	-59,701
Property and equipment, net	34,888	39,523
Buildings and Land [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,807	1,794
Machinery and Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	41,451	40,993
Computer and Communication Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	23,117	22,895
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	4,028	1,845
Vehicles [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	367	359
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	24,369	27,976
Construction in Process [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$5,426	$3,362

Property_and_Equipment_Depreci

Property and Equipment Depreciation expense recorded in continuing operations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	$12,729	$12,090	$10,673

Goodwill_Schedule_of_the_chang

Goodwill Schedule of the changes in goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 08, 2012
			Solvix [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$91,473	$13,499	'
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	5,936	377	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Gross carrying amount, beginning of period	60,391	46,515	13,488
Gross carrying amount, end of period	$157,800	$60,391	$13,488

Intangible_Assets_Schedule_of_

Intangible Assets Schedule of other intangible assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$68,883	$58,371
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Translation Adjustments	955	250
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	-31,873	'
Accumulated Amortization	-18,554	-12,412
Net Carrying Amount	19,411	'
Intangible Assets, Net	19,411	46,209
Technology-based [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	50,368	44,668
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Translation Adjustments	441	83
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	-26,168	'
Accumulated Amortization	-14,712	-10,775
Net Carrying Amount	9,929	33,976
Weighted-Average Useful Life, In Years	'4 years 0 months	'7 years 0 months
Trademarks and other [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	18,515	13,703
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Translation Adjustments	514	167
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	-5,705	'
Accumulated Amortization	-3,842	-1,637
Net Carrying Amount	$9,482	$12,233
Weighted-Average Useful Life, In Years	'7 years	'9 years 0 months

Intangible_Assets_Schedule_of_1

Intangible Assets Schedule of amortization expense relating to other intangible assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Amortization expense	$6,142	$5,696	$3,852

Intangible_Assets_Schedule_of_2

Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2012 (remaining)	$5,116
2013	4,022
2014	2,787
2015	2,787
2016	1,328
Thereafter	3,371
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$19,411

Accrued_Liabilities_Details

Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current	$4,519,000	$4,137,000
Accrued Restructuring Costs	3,280,000	1,852,000
Accrued Sales and Use Tax	2,415,000	1,010,000
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	9,557,000	5,627,000
Accrued Liabilities, Current	20,704,000	15,399,000
Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Solvix [Member]	'	'
Contingent consideration	$933,000	$2,773,000

Warranties_Narrative_Details

Warranties Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Thin Films [Member]	Thin Films [Member]	Solar Energy [Member]	Solar Energy [Member]	Solar Energy [Member]
			Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]		Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Standard Product Warranty Term	'	'	'18 months	'24 months	'	'5 years	'10 years
Extended Product Warranty Term	'	'	'	'	'20 years	'	'
Deferred Revenue Related To Extended Warranty Contracts	$43.20	$20.50	'	'	'	'	'

Warranties_Changes_in_accrued_

Warranties Changes in accrued product warranties (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Warranty Liability	$10,678	$0	$0
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balances at beginning of period	14,797	14,719	12,949
Increases to accruals related to sales during the period	14,087	7,561	10,203
Warranty expenditures	-17,495	-7,483	-8,433
Balances at end of period	$22,067	$14,797	$14,719

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

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

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Rate

Rate

Rate

2008 OMNIBUS Incentive Plan [Member]

2011 CEO Nonqualified Options [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Employee Stock [Member]

Employee Stock [Member]

Employee Stock [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Rate

Rate

Rate

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period

'1 year 4 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation

1,300,000

500,000

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Reserved

5,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized

$4

'

'

'

'

$5.90

'

'

$0.10

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant

600,000

'

'

177,462

'

'

'

'

409,876

'

'

'

Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense

$13.70

$12.70

$12.50

'

'

'

'

'

$0.20

'

'

'

Estimated Forfeiture rates for Share Based Compensation

16.00%

14.00%

13.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate

69.00%

61.50%

58.00%

'

61.60%

'

'

'

61.50%

60.40%

61.90%

68.90%

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term

'5 years 7 months

'5 years 11 months

'5 years 6 months

'

'

'

'

'

'0 years 6 months

'0 years 6 months

'0 years 6 months

'5 years 7 months

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate

0.74%

0.00%

'

'

2.40%

'

'

'

'

0.15%

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

$10.55

$6.24

$6.68

'

$2.92

$17.73

$11.20

$12.94

'

'

'

$10.55

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$17.80

StockBased_Compensation_Fair_V

Stock-Based Compensation Fair Value Assumptions by Grant Year (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Rate	Rate	Rate
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	0.74%	0.00%	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	'5 years 7 months	'5 years 11 months	'5 years 6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate	69.00%	61.50%	58.00%
Employee Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	'	0.15%	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	'0 years 6 months	'0 years 6 months	'0 years 6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate	61.50%	60.40%	61.90%
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	'	'	1.09%
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	7.15	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Employee Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	0.07%	'	0.05%
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	0.74%	1.20%	2.40%
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	24.21	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Employee Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	0.10%	0.61%	0.10%
Range Nine [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	22.47	'	'
Range Nine [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	22.47	'	'
Range Eight [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	16.13	'	'
Range Eight [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	22.3	'	'
Range Seven [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	14.4	'	'
Range Seven [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	15.65	'	'
Range Six [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	12.8	'	'
Range Six [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	14.21	'	'
Range Five [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	11.21	'	'
Range Five [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	12.77	'	'
Range Four [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	11.02	'	'
Range Four [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	11.02	'	'
Range Three [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	8.95	'	'
Range Three [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	10.9	'	'
Range Ten [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	24.21	'	'
Range Ten [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	24.21	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-Based Compensation Schedule of Weighted Average Fair Value and Intrinsic Value (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$10.55	$6.24	$6.68
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	$12,917,000	$1,697,000	$896,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$17.73	$11.20	$12.94
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	$11,032,000	$8,908,000	$1,974,000

StockBased_Compensation_Change

Stock-Based Compensation Changes in Outstanding Stock Options (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$12.27	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	2,812,000	'	'	'
Options Vested During the Year	$294	$73	$49	'
Time Based [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$13.31	$9.17	$10.60	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period	-199,000	-455,000	-886,000	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$13.01	$12.99	$13.20	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period	-209,000	-677,000	-529,000	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$13.29	$13.61	$14.04	$14.72
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0	$11.67	$12.52	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	-2,055,000	-446,000	-216,000	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	0	18,000	1,518,000	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$19.74	$20.41	$19.73	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	1,573,000	4,036,000	5,596,000	5,709,000
Performance Shares [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$11.02	$0	$0	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period	-87,000	-262,000	0	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$11.02	$11.02	$0	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period	-251,000	0	0	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$13.38	$12.65	$24.75	$0
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$17.80	$11.15	$24.75	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	-89,000	0	0	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	43,000	1,660,000	225,000	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$11.10	$0	$0	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	1,239,000	1,623,000	225,000	0
Options Vested During the Year	$314	$0	$0	'

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu1

Stock-Based Compensation Schedules of Options Expected to Vest (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	2,812,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$12.27
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'6 years 8 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$29,787,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	2,597,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$12.41
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'6 years 7 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	27,164,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	1,243,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$12.82
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'5 years 5 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$12,505,000

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu2

Stock-Based Compensation Schedule of Stock Options by Exercise Price (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$12.82
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$12.27
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	1,243,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	2,812,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'6 years 8 months
Range Three [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$9.70
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$9.61
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	83,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	160,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'6 years 4 months
Range Four [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$11.02
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$11.02
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	98,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	871,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'8 years 0 months
Range Five [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$12.18
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$12.24
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	153,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	293,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'7 years 0 months
Range Six [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$13.79
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$13.82
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	165,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	331,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'6 years 5 months
Range Seven [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$14.88
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$14.82
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	161,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	327,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'6 years 7 months
Range Eight [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$19.28
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$18.61
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	191,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	272,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'4 years 2 months
Range Nine [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.47
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.47
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	21,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	21,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'3 years 7 months
Range Two [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$8.65
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$8.65
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	218,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	384,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'7 years 7 months
Range One [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$7.35
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$7.35
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	132,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	132,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'2 years 2 months
Range Ten [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$24.21
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$24.21
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	21,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	21,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'3 years 3 months
Maximum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$24.21
Maximum [Member] | Range Three [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$10.90
Maximum [Member] | Range Four [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$11.02
Maximum [Member] | Range Five [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$12.77
Maximum [Member] | Range Six [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$14.21
Maximum [Member] | Range Seven [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$15.65
Maximum [Member] | Range Eight [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.30
Maximum [Member] | Range Nine [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.47
Maximum [Member] | Range Two [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$8.65
Maximum [Member] | Range One [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$7.95
Maximum [Member] | Range Ten [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$24.21
Minimum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$7.15
Minimum [Member] | Range Three [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$8.95
Minimum [Member] | Range Four [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$11.02
Minimum [Member] | Range Five [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$11.21
Minimum [Member] | Range Six [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$12.80
Minimum [Member] | Range Seven [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$14.40
Minimum [Member] | Range Eight [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$16.13
Minimum [Member] | Range Nine [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.47
Minimum [Member] | Range Two [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$8.65
Minimum [Member] | Range One [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$7.15
Minimum [Member] | Range Ten [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$24.21

StockBased_Compensation_Change1

Stock-Based Compensation Changes in RSU (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$10.55	$6.24	$6.68	'	'
Performance Shares [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	1,344	1,631	0	1,631	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$11.42	$11.15	$0	$11.15	$0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	50	1,937	0	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	-235	0	0	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$11.10	$0	$0	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	-102	-306	0	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$11.02	$11.02	$0	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$17.80	$11.13	$0	'	'
Time Based [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	230	442	764	442	447
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$13.41	$12.96	$12.99	$12.96	$13.82
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	99	75	623	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	-242	-253	-147	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$12.99	$12.93	$15.56	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	-69	-144	-159	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$12.88	$12.94	$13.32	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$17.58	$12.93	$13.72	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu3

Stock-Based Compensation Schedule of Weighted Average Fair Value and Intrinsic Value for RSUs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$10.55	$6.24	$6.68
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	$12,917,000	$1,697,000	$896,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$17.73	$11.20	$12.94
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	$11,032,000	$8,908,000	$1,974,000

Retirement_Plans_Details

Retirement Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$1	$1.30	$1.30

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at December 31, 2011	$29,725
Current period other comprehensive income (loss)	3,732
Balances at June 30, 2012	33,457
Foreign Currency Adjustments [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at December 31, 2011	29,730
Current period other comprehensive income (loss)	3,733
Balances at June 30, 2012	33,463
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at December 31, 2011	-5
Current period other comprehensive income (loss)	-1
Balances at June 30, 2012	($6)

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	$68.60	'	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$6.10	$5.80	$6.60

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	$5,909
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	4,258
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	1,978
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	1,753
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	1,639
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	5,226
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$20,763

Restructuring_Costs_Details

Restructuring Costs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
April Two Thousand Thirteen Restructuring Plan [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Asset Impairment Charges	$36,624,000
Impairment of Intangible Assets excluding Goodwill [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Restructuring And Related Costs Incured And Expected Cost	$31,900,000

Restructuring_Costs_Schedule_o

Restructuring Costs Schedule of the components of our restructuring costs incurred (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges	$2,305	$19,884	$24,206	$0	$2,039	$3,003	($144)	$2,575	$46,395	$7,473	$7,348
April Two Thousand Thirteen Restructuring Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Severance Costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,002	'	'
Asset Impairment Charges	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	36,624	'	'
Business Exit Costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,769	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	2,649	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	2,649	0	'
Restructuring Charges	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	46,395	'	'
Cost paid or otherwise settled	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	43,893	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Translation Adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	147	'	'
April Two Thousand Thirteen Restructuring Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	2,078	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	2,078	0	'
Restructuring Charges	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,002	'	'
Cost paid or otherwise settled	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,049	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Translation Adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	125	'	'
April Two Thousand Thirteen Restructuring Plan [Member] | Property and Equipment Impairments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Restructuring Charges	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	36,624	'	'
Cost paid or otherwise settled	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	36,624	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Translation Adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
April Two Thousand Thirteen Restructuring Plan [Member] | Facility Closure Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	571	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	571	0	'
Restructuring Charges	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,769	'	'
Cost paid or otherwise settled	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,220	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Translation Adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$22	'	'

Restructuring_Costs_Schedule_o1

Restructuring Costs Schedule of restructuring liabilities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	$2,305	$19,884	$24,206	$0	$2,039	$3,003	($144)	$2,575	$46,395	$7,473	$7,348
April Two Thousand Thirteen Restructuring Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2011	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	46,395	'	'
Cost paid or otherwise settled	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	43,893	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Translation Adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	147	'	'
Balance at June 30, 2012	2,649	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,649	'	'
September Two Thousand Eleven Restructuring Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2011	'	'	'	1,853	'	'	'	'	1,853	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Cost paid or otherwise settled	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,222	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Translation Adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Balance at June 30, 2012	631	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	631	'	'
Property and Equipment Impairments [Member] | April Two Thousand Thirteen Restructuring Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2011	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	36,624	'	'
Cost paid or otherwise settled	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	36,624	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Translation Adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Balance at June 30, 2012	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Facility Closure Costs [Member] | April Two Thousand Thirteen Restructuring Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2011	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,769	'	'
Cost paid or otherwise settled	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,220	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Translation Adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22	'	'
Balance at June 30, 2012	571	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	571	'	'
Facility Closure Costs [Member] | September Two Thousand Eleven Restructuring Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2011	'	'	'	508	'	'	'	'	508	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Cost paid or otherwise settled	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	94	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Translation Adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Balance at June 30, 2012	414	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	414	'	'
Employee Severance [Member] | April Two Thousand Thirteen Restructuring Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2011	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,002	'	'
Cost paid or otherwise settled	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,049	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Translation Adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	125	'	'
Balance at June 30, 2012	2,078	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,078	'	'
Employee Severance [Member] | September Two Thousand Eleven Restructuring Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2011	'	'	'	1,345	'	'	'	'	1,345	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Cost paid or otherwise settled	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,128	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Translation Adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Balance at June 30, 2012	$217	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$217	'	'

Other_Income_net_SEGIS_Revenue

Other Income, net SEGIS Revenue (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other Income from SEGIS Program	$0.80	$0.70	$0.40

Other_Income_net_Gain_on_Sale_

Other Income, net Gain on Sale of Assets to HML (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Component of Operating Income [Abstract]	'
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets	$1.90

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (Management [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Management [Member]	'
Rent due to related parties	$1.90

Related_Party_Transactions_Sch

Related Party Transactions Schedule of related party transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'	'	'
Sales - related parties	$622	$583	$3,874
Rent expense - related parties	$1,880	$1,872	$2,306

Segment_Information_Sales_with

Segment Information Sales with respect to operating segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
SALES	$152,580	$142,899	$139,711	$111,814	$112,971	$117,515	$115,658	$105,787	$547,004	$451,931	$516,799
Thin Films [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
SALES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	296,535	235,335	328,614
Solar Energy [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
SALES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$250,469	$216,596	$188,185

Segment_Information_Schedule_o

Segment Information Schedule of income from continuing operations before income taxes by operating segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Income (Loss)	$20,018	($1,542)	($11,572)	$7,719	$5,499	$9,938	$11,314	$623	$14,623	$27,374	$49,251
Operating Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-195,513	-140,372	-155,906
Restructuring charges	-2,305	-19,884	-24,206	0	-2,039	-3,003	144	-2,575	-46,395	-7,473	-7,348
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-339	2,432	1,217
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14,284	29,806	50,468
Thin Films [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Income (Loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	64,790	22,804	68,241
Solar Energy [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Income (Loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,772	14,003	4,323
Thin Films and Solar Energy [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Income (Loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	61,018	36,807	72,564
Corporate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0	($1,960)	($15,965)

Segment_Information_Summary_of

Segment Information Summary of consolidated total assets by segment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$652,977	$537,242
Thin Films [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	39,450	40,965
Solar Energy [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	104,227	76,393
Unallocated Corporate Propert and Equipment [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	982	3,647
Unallocated Corporate Assets [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	508,318	416,237
Inventories and Property and Equipment [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$143,677	$117,358

Segment_Information_Narrative_

Segment Information Narrative (Details) (Customer Concentration Risk [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounts Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%	'	'
Applied Materials, Inc. [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	17.40%	14.10%	13.10%
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	$97	$63.90	$68
Applied Materials, Inc. [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	17.40%	'	'
Lam Research and Novellus Systems, Inc. [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.70%	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%	'	'

Segment_Information_Sales_by_G

Segment Information Sales by Geographic Region (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
									Rate	Rate	Rate
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Entity's Country of Domicile	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$328,330	$322,847	$338,343
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers attributed to Entitie's Country of Domicile, Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	60.00%	71.40%	65.50%
SALES	152,580	142,899	139,711	111,814	112,971	117,515	115,658	105,787	547,004	451,931	516,799
EUROPE [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Entity's Country of Domicile	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	95,264	24,159	56,756
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries, Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	17.40%	5.30%	11.00%
Other European Countries [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Entity's Country of Domicile	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,149	5,785	9,528
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries, Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.40%	1.40%	1.80%
Germany [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Entity's Country of Domicile	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	87,115	18,374	47,228
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries, Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15.90%	4.10%	9.10%
ASIA [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Entity's Country of Domicile	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	90,410	74,812	118,078
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries, Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	16.50%	16.60%	22.80%
Other Asian Countries [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Entity's Country of Domicile	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	62,990	54,825	79,424
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries, Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11.60%	12.00%	15.40%
CHINA	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Entity's Country of Domicile	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	27,420	19,987	38,654
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries, Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5.00%	4.40%	7.50%
North America [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Entity's Country of Domicile	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	361,330	352,960	341,965
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries, Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	66.10%	78.10%	66.20%
CANADA	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Entity's Country of Domicile	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$33,000	$30,113	$3,622
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries, Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6.00%	6.70%	0.70%

Segment_Information_Long_Lived

Segment Information Long Lived Assets by Geographic Region (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$34,888	$39,523
Long-Lived Assets	212,099	132,338
UNITED STATES	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	75,097	118,553
CANADA	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	884	1,246
ASIA [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	3,412	3,963
EUROPE [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$132,706	$8,576

Credit_Facility_Details

Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.25%
LineOfCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity	$25,000,000
Interest Expense	320,000
Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	8,000,000
Bayerische Landesbank [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	4,000,000
Bayerische Landesbank [Member] | Bank Overdrafts [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	4.50%
Bayerische Landesbank [Member] | Surety Product Line [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	1.25%
Bayerische Landesbank_2013 [Member] [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	4,600,000
Bayerische Landesbank_2013 [Member] [Member] | Bank Overdrafts [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	3.90%
Bayerische Landesbank_2013 [Member] [Member] | Surety Product Line [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	1.64%
Wells Fargo Bank [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	50,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	75,000,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	12-Oct-17
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	3.75%
Debt Instrument, Collateral Fee	2,500
Interest Expense	200,000
Wells Fargo Bank [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Wells Fargo Bank [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%
Wells Fargo Bank [Member] | Base Rate [Domain] | Minimum [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%
Wells Fargo Bank [Member] | Base Rate [Domain] | Maximum [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%
Wells Fargo Bank [Member] | Federal Funds Rate [Domain]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%
Wells Fargo Bank_Refusol Credit Facility [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	1,500,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.13%
Wells Fargo Bank_Refusol Credit Facility [Member] | Federal Funds Rate [Domain]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.25%
Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit, Credit Commission	0.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$9,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	5.32%
Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft [Member] | Surety Product Line [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	1.50%

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue, Net	$152,580	$142,899	$139,711	$111,814	$112,971	$117,515	$115,658	$105,787	$547,004	$451,931	$516,799
Gross Profit	58,827	56,211	53,259	41,839	38,546	45,727	43,729	39,744	210,136	167,746	205,157
Restructuring Charges	2,305	19,884	24,206	0	2,039	3,003	-144	2,575	46,395	7,473	7,348
Operating Income (Loss)	20,018	-1,542	-11,572	7,719	5,499	9,938	11,314	623	14,623	27,374	49,251
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	34,355	687	-9,782	6,826	4,874	5,735	8,801	766	32,086	20,176	36,854
Discontinued Operation, Amount of Other Income (Loss) from Disposition of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax	0	0	0	0	-25	0	127	303	0	405	-540
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$34,355	$687	($9,782)	$6,826	$4,849	$5,735	$8,928	$1,069	$32,086	$20,581	$36,314
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share	$0.85	$0.02	($0.25)	$0.18	$0.13	$0.15	$0.23	$0.02	$0.81	$0.52	$0.85
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share	$0.83	$0.02	($0.24)	$0.17	$0.13	$0.15	$0.22	$0.02	$0.79	$0.51	$0.84
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0.01	$0	$0.01	($0.01)
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0.01	$0	$0.01	($0.01)
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$0.85	$0.02	($0.25)	$0.18	$0.13	$0.15	$0.23	$0.03	$0.81	$0.53	$0.84
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$0.83	$0.02	($0.24)	$0.17	$0.13	$0.15	$0.23	$0.03	$0.79	$0.52	$0.83