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Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 17, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	VICR
Entity Registrant Name	VICOR CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000751978
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Common Stock [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		27,347,232
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,758,218

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 52,827	$ 56,170
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $161 in 2017 and $153 in 2016	29,978	25,216
Inventories, net	27,429	27,136
Other current assets	3,446	3,250
Total current assets	113,680	111,772
Long-term deferred tax assets, net	39	38
Long-term investments, net	2,526	2,508
Property, plant and equipment, net	38,100	37,574
Other assets	2,226	2,175
Total assets	156,571	154,067
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	9,090	7,588
Accrued compensation and benefits	8,675	8,965
Accrued expenses	2,104	2,179
Income taxes payable	104	92
Deferred revenue	4,527	3,403
Total current liabilities	24,500	22,227
Long-term deferred revenue	356	374
Contingent consideration obligations	208	253
Long-term income taxes payable	198	196
Other long-term liabilities	64
Total liabilities	25,326	23,050
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Vicor Corporation stockholders' equity:
Common Stock	398	397
Additional paid-in capital	177,366	176,344
Retained earnings	92,464	93,438
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(413)	(561)
Treasury stock, at cost	(138,927)	(138,927)
Total Vicor Corporation stockholders' equity	131,006	130,809
Noncontrolling interest	239	208
Total equity	131,245	131,017
Total liabilities and equity	156,571	154,067
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Vicor Corporation stockholders' equity:
Common Stock	$ 118	$ 118

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance	$ 161	$ 153

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 54,462	$ 46,027
Cost of revenues	30,810	26,711
Gross margin	23,652	19,316
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	14,023	14,016
Research and development	11,007	10,729
Total operating expenses	25,030	24,745
Loss from operations	(1,378)	(5,429)
Other income (expense), net:
Total unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net	18	27
Portion of gains recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	(15)	(23)
Net credit gains recognized in earnings	3	4
Other income (expense), net	322	71
Total other income (expense), net	325	75
Loss before income taxes	(1,053)	(5,354)
Less: (Benefit) provision for income taxes	(99)	22
Consolidated net loss	(954)	(5,376)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	20	(25)
Net loss attributable to Vicor Corporation	$ (974)	$ (5,351)
Net loss per common share attributable to Vicor Corporation:
Basic	$ (0.02)	$ (0.14)
Diluted	$ (0.02)	$ (0.14)
Shares used to compute net loss per common share attributable to Vicor Corporation:
Basic	39,070	38,794
Diluted	39,070	38,794

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Mar. 31, 2016

Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Consolidated net loss

$ (954)

$ (5,376)

Foreign currency translation gains, net of tax

^[1]

144

173

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

^[1]

Other comprehensive income

159

196

Consolidated comprehensive loss

(795)

(5,180)

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

(12)

Comprehensive loss attributable to Vicor Corporation

$ (826)

$ (5,168)

[1]

The deferred tax assets associated with cumulative foreign currency translation gains and cumulative unrealized gains on available for sale securities are completely offset by a tax valuation allowance as of March 31, 2017 and 2016. Therefore, there is no income tax benefit (provision) recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Recognized income tax benefit (provision)	$ 0	$ 0

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Operating activities:
Consolidated net loss	$ (954)	$ (5,376)
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net loss to net cash used for operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	2,157	2,195
Stock-based compensation expense, net	254	329
Increase in other long-term liabilities	64
Decrease in long-term deferred revenue	(18)	(35)
Deferred income taxes		(55)
Provision (benefit) for doubtful accounts	8	(28)
Gain on disposal of equipment	(2)	(2)
Credit gain on available-for-sale securities	(3)	(4)
Increase in long-term income taxes payable	2	1
Change in current assets and liabilities, net	(2,855)	2,141
Net cash used for operating activities	(1,347)	(834)
Investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(2,648)	(1,887)
Proceeds from sale of equipment	2	2
Increase in other assets	(65)	(214)
Net cash used for investing activities	(2,711)	(2,099)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock	760	19
Payment of contingent consideration obligations	(45)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest		(372)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	715	(353)
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash		16
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(3,343)	(3,270)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	56,170	62,980
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 52,827	$ 59,710

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation	Mar. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Vicor Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, these interim financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or the year ending December 31, 2017. The balance sheet at December 31, 2016 presented herein has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 7, 2017.

Long-Term Investments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Long-Term Investments

2. Long-Term Investments

As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company held one auction rate security that had experienced failed auctions of $3,000,000 at par value, which was purchased through and is held by a broker-dealer affiliate of Bank of America, N.A. (the “Failed Auction Security”). The Failed Auction Security held by the Company is Aaa/AA+ rated by major credit rating agencies, is collateralized by student loans, and is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education under the Federal Family Education Loan Program. Management is not aware of any reason to believe the issuer of the Failed Auction Security is presently at risk of default. Through March 31, 2017, the Company has continued to receive interest payments on the Failed Auction Security in accordance with the terms of its indenture. Management believes the Company ultimately should be able to liquidate the Failed Auction Security without significant loss primarily due to the overall quality of the issue held and the collateral securing the substantial majority of the underlying obligation. However, current conditions in the auction rate securities market have led management to conclude the recovery period for the Failed Auction Security exceeds 12 months. As a result, the Company continued to classify the Failed Auction Security as long-term as of March 31, 2017.

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities (in thousands):


			Gross		Gross		Estimated
			Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
March 31, 2017	Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
Failed Auction Security	$	3,000	$	—	$	474	$	2,526


			Gross		Gross		Estimated
			Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
December 31, 2016	Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
Failed Auction Security	$	3,000	$	—	$	492	$	2,508

As of March 31, 2017, the Failed Auction Security had been in an unrealized loss position for greater than 12 months.

Based on the fair value measurements described in Note 3, the fair value of the Failed Auction Security on March 31, 2017, with a par value of $3,000,000, was estimated by the Company to be approximately $2,526,000. The gross unrealized loss of $474,000 on the Failed Auction Security consists of two types of estimated loss: an aggregate credit loss of $56,000 and an aggregate temporary impairment of $418,000. In determining the amount of credit loss, the Company compared the present value of cash flows expected to be collected to the amortized cost basis of the security, considering credit default risk probabilities and changes in credit ratings as significant inputs, among other factors (See Note 3).

The following table represents a rollforward of the activity related to the credit loss recognized in earnings on the Failed Auction Security for the three months ended March 31 (in thousands):


	2017			2016
Balance at the beginning of the period	$	59		$	72
Reductions in the amount related to credit gain for which other-than-
temporary impairment was not previously recognized		(3	)		(4	)

Balance at the end of the period	$	56		$	68

At this time, the Company has no intent to sell the Failed Auction Security and does not believe it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell this security. If current market conditions deteriorate further, the Company may be required to record additional unrealized losses. If the credit rating of the security deteriorates, the Company may be required to adjust the carrying value of the investment through impairment charges recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, and any such impairment adjustments may be material.

Based on the Company’s ability to access cash and cash equivalents and its expected operating cash flows, management does not anticipate the current lack of liquidity associated with the Failed Auction Security held will affect the Company’s ability to execute its current operating plan.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for investments in certain debt and equity securities.

+ References + Details

Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

3. Fair Value Measurements

The Company accounts for certain financial assets at fair value, defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. A three-level hierarchy is used to show the extent and level of judgment used to estimate fair value measurements.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis included the following as of March 31, 2017 (in thousands):


	Using
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)			Total Fair Value as of March 31, 2017
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds	$	9,601	$	—	$	—		$	9,601
Long-term investments:
Failed Auction Security		—		—		2,526			2,526
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration obligations		—		—		(208	)		(208	)

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis included the following as of December 31, 2016 (in thousands):


	Using
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)			Total Fair Value as of December 31, 2016
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds	$	10,114	$	—	$	—		$	10,114
Long-term investments:
Failed Auction Security		—		—		2,508			2,508
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration obligations		—		—		(253	)		(253	)

The Company has classified its contingent consideration obligations as Level 3 because the fair value for these liabilities was determined using unobservable inputs. The liabilities were based on estimated sales of legacy products over the period of royalty payments at the royalty rate, discounted using the Company’s estimated cost of capital.

As of March 31, 2017, there was insufficient observable auction rate security market information available to determine the fair value of the Failed Auction Security using Level 1 or Level 2 inputs. As such, the Company’s investment in the Failed Auction Security was deemed to require valuation using Level 3 inputs. Management, after consulting with advisors, valued the Failed Auction Security using analyses and pricing models similar to those used by market participants (i.e., buyers, sellers, and the broker-dealers responsible for execution of the Dutch auction pricing mechanism by which each issue’s interest rate was set). Management utilized a probability weighted discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model to determine the estimated fair value of this security as of March 31, 2017. The major assumptions used in preparing the DCF model included: estimates for the amount and timing of future interest and principal payments based on default probability assumptions used to measure the credit loss of 2.0%; the rate of return required by investors to own this type of security in the current environment, which management estimates to be 5.0% above the risk free rate of return; and an estimated timeframe of three to five years for successful auctions for this type of security to occur. In making these assumptions, management considered relevant factors including: the formula applicable to the security defining the interest rate paid to investors in the event of a failed auction (the “Penalty Rate”); forward projections of the

interest rate benchmarks specified in such formulas; the likely timing of principal repayments; the probability of full repayment considering the guarantees by the U.S. Department of Education of the underlying student loans, guarantees by other third parties, and additional credit enhancements provided through other means; and publicly available pricing data for recently issued student loan asset-backed securities not subject to auctions. In developing its estimate of the rate of return required by investors to own the security, management compared the Penalty Rate of the Failed Auction Security with yields of actively traded long-term bonds with similar characteristics and, reflecting the limited liquidity for auction rate securities and the discounts to par value seen in recent tender offers by issuers and arm’s length market transactions between informed buyers and sellers, estimated the implied yield (i.e., the discount to par value) necessary to complete a sale of the Failed Auction Security. Management has calculated an increase or decrease in the liquidity risk premium of 5.0% referenced above of 1.0% (i.e., 100 basis points) as used in the model, would decrease or increase, respectively, the fair value of the Failed Auction Security by approximately $100,000.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Failed Auction Security are the cumulative probability of earning the maximum rate until maturity, the cumulative probability of principal return prior to maturity, the cumulative probability of default, the liquidity risk premium, and the recovery rate in default. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in changes in fair value measurement. Significant increases (decreases) in the cumulative probability of earning the maximum rate until maturity, the cumulative probability of principal return prior to maturity, and the recovery rate in default would result in a higher (lower) fair value measurement, while increases (decreases) in the cumulative probability of default and the liquidity risk premium would result in a lower (higher) fair value measurement.

Generally, the interrelationships are such that a change in the assumption used for the cumulative probability of principal return prior to maturity is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the cumulative probability of earning the maximum rate until maturity and a directionally opposite change in the assumptions used for the cumulative probability of default and the liquidity risk premium. The recovery rate in default is somewhat independent and based upon the security’s specific underlying assets and published recovery rate indices.

Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements as of March 31, 2017 is as follows (dollars in thousands):


			Valuation	Unobservable	Weighted
	Fair Value		Technique	Input	Average
Failed Auction Security	$	2,526	Discounted cash flow	Cumulative probability of earning the maximum rate until maturity	0.04%
				Cumulative probability of principal return prior to maturity	94.05%
				Cumulative probability of default	5.91%
				Liquidity risk premium	5.00%
				Recovery rate in default	40.00%

The change in the estimated fair value calculated for the investment valued on a recurring basis utilizing Level 3 inputs

(i.e., the Failed Auction Security) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was as follows (in thousands):


Balance at the beginning of the period	$	2,508
Credit gain on available-for-sale securities included in Other income (expense), net		3
Gain included in Other comprehensive income (loss)		15

Balance at the end of the period	$	2,526

The change in the estimated fair value calculated for the liabilities valued on a recurring basis utilizing Level 3 inputs

(i.e., the Contingent consideration obligations) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was as follows (in thousands):


Balance at the beginning of the period	$	253
Payments		(45	)

Balance at the end of the period	$	208

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Stock-Based Compensation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

4. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the fair value of stock option awards as of their grant date. Stock-based compensation expense, net for the three months ended March 31 was as follows (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2017		2016
Cost of revenues	$	34	$	52
Selling, general and administrative		180		238
Research and development		40		39

Total stock-based compensation	$	254	$	329

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References + Details

Net Loss per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Net Loss per Share

5. Net Loss per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share for the three months ended March 31 (in thousands, except per share amounts):


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2017			2016
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to Vicor Corporation	$	(974	)	$	(5,351	)

Denominator:
Denominator for basic net loss per share-weighted average shares (1)		39,070			38,794
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options (2)		—			—

Denominator for diluted net loss per share – adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions		39,070			38,794

Basic net loss per share	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.14	)

Diluted net loss per share	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.14	)

(1)	Denominator represents weighted average number of shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding.

(2)	Options to purchase 1,612,001 and 731,672 shares of Common Stock for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were not included in the calculation of net loss per share as the effect would have been antidilutive.

Inventories

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

6. Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (determined using the first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value. Fixed production overhead is allocated to the inventory cost per unit based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. Abnormal production costs, including fixed cost variances from normal production capacity, if any, are charged to cost of revenues in the period incurred. All shipping and handling costs incurred in connection with the sale of products are included in cost of revenues.

The Company provides reserves for inventories estimated to be excess, obsolete or unmarketable. The Company’s estimation process for assessing net realizable value is based upon its known backlog, projected future demand, historical consumption and expected market conditions. If the Company’s estimated demand and/or market expectation were to change or if product sales were to decline, the Company’s estimation process may cause larger inventory reserves to be recorded, resulting in larger charges to cost of revenues.

Inventories were as follows (in thousands):


	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
Raw materials	$	18,612	$	18,648
Work-in-process		3,800		3,361
Finished goods		5,017		5,127

Net balance	$	27,429	$	27,136

Product Warranties

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Guarantees [Abstract]

Product Warranties

7. Product Warranties

The Company generally offers a two-year warranty for all of its products, though it is party to a limited number of supply agreements with certain customers contractually committing the Company to warranty and indemnification requirements exceeding those to which the Company has been exposed in the past. Effective January 1, 2017, the Company extended the warranty period to three years for certain military grade products sold after that date. The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time product revenue is recognized. Factors influencing the Company’s warranty reserves include the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty returns, and the cost per return. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of warranty reserves and adjusts the amounts as necessary. Warranty obligations are included in “Accrued expenses” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Product warranty activity for the three months ended March 31 was as follows (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2017			2016
Balance at the beginning of the period	$	214		$	584
Accruals for warranties for products sold in the period		104			122
Fulfillment of warranty obligations		(73	)		(68	)
Revisions of estimated obligations		(60	)		(50	)

Balance at the end of the period	$	185		$	588

Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

8. Income Taxes

The tax provision is based on the estimated annual effective tax rate for the year, which includes estimated federal, state and foreign income taxes on the Company’s projected pre-tax income (loss).

The (benefit) provision for income taxes and the effective income tax rates for the three months ended March 31 were as follows (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2017			2016
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	$	(99	)	$	22
Effective income tax rate		(9.4	)%		0.4	%

The Company’s effective tax rate was lower than the statutory tax rate in each 2017 and 2016 period due to a full valuation allowance against all net domestic deferred tax assets. In addition, in connection with the Company’s acquisition of 100% ownership of certain operating assets and cash of the Company’s consolidated subsidiary, Converpower Corporation, the related deferred tax liability for unremitted earnings of $55,000 was reversed and recorded as a discrete benefit in the first quarter of 2016.

As described in Note 11- Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards, the Company adopted new guidance for employee share-based payment accounting during the first quarter of 2017. The new guidance, among other considerations, requires excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to employee share-based compensation to now be recorded in earnings when the awards vest or are settled, rather than in shareholders’ equity under previous guidance. In addition, it eliminates the requirement that excess tax benefits be realized with the taxing authority before they can be recognized. In connection with the adoption of this new guidance, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment as of January 1, 2017 to increase gross deferred tax assets and the related valuation allowance against deferred tax assets by $3,485,000. This amount was allocated and added to deferred tax assets for research and development tax credit carryforwards, net operating loss carryforwards and the alternative minimum tax credit carryforward but, as noted above, was fully offset by a corresponding increase in the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, resulting in no net effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

As of March 31, 2017, the Company continues to maintain a valuation allowance of approximately $32,759,000 against all domestic net deferred tax assets and the majority of foreign net deferred tax assets, for which realization cannot be considered more likely than not at this time.

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	9. Commitments and Contingencies At March 31, 2017, the Company had approximately $2,734,000 of capital expenditure commitments. On January 28, 2011, SynQor, Inc. (“SynQor”) filed a complaint for patent infringement against Ericsson, Inc. (“Ericsson”), Cisco Systems, Inc. (“Cisco”) and the Company in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (the “Texas Action”). Ericsson and Cisco subsequently settled with SynQor and are no longer parties to the Texas Action. With respect to the Company, SynQor’s complaint in the Texas Action alleged that the Company’s products, including but not limited to unregulated bus converters used in intermediate bus architecture power supply systems, infringe SynQor’s U.S. patent numbers 7,072,190, 7,272,021, and 7,564,702 (“the ‘190 patent”, “the ‘021 patent” and “the ‘702 patent”, respectively). SynQor’s complaint sought an injunction against further infringement and an award of unspecified compensatory and enhanced damages, interest, costs and attorney fees. On September 20, 2011, SynQor filed an amended complaint in the Texas Action that further alleged that the Company’s products, including, but not limited to, unregulated bus converters used in intermediate bus architecture power supply systems, infringe SynQor’s U.S. patent number 8,023,290 (“the ‘290 patent”). The Company responded to SynQor’s amended complaint in the Texas Action by denying its products infringe any of the SynQor patents, and asserting that the SynQor patents are invalid. The Company has further alleged that the SynQor ‘290 patent is unenforceable due to inequitable conduct by SynQor or its agents during the examination of the ‘290 patent at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”). The Company has also asserted counterclaims seeking damages against SynQor for deceptive trade practices and tortious interference with prospective economic advantage arising from SynQor’s attempted enforcement of its patents against the Company. The Company has initiated administrative review proceedings at the USPTO challenging the validity of certain claims of the SynQor patents asserted in the Texas Action, including all claims that were asserted against the Company by SynQor. Regarding the ‘190 patent, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”) of the USPTO issued a decision upholding the validity of the ‘190 patent claims. That decision was appealed by the Company to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“the Federal Circuit”), which issued a decision on March 13, 2015 reversing the PTAB, determining that certain claims were invalid, and remanding the matter to the PTAB for further proceedings. On May 2, 2016, the PTAB issued a decision determining that all but one of the remaining claims of the ‘190 patent were invalid and remanding the remaining claim to a patent examiner for further examination, where it remains under review. In addition, on that date, the PTAB issued decisions finding all challenged claims of SynQor’s ‘021 patent invalid and upholding the validity of all challenged claims of SynQor’s ‘702 and ‘290 patents. The Company has filed an appeal with the Federal Circuit from the PTAB’s decision upholding the validity of the challenged claims of the ‘702 and ‘290 patents. SynQor has filed an appeal with the Federal Circuit from the PTAB’s decision that the challenged claims of the ‘021 patent are invalid. Oral arguments in all three appeals are scheduled to be heard on May 2, 2017. Decisions in these appeals are expected later in 2017. On May 23, 2016, the Texas Court issued an order staying the Texas Action until the completion of all of the administrative review proceedings concerning the asserted SynQor patents, including any appeals from such proceedings to the Federal Circuit. The Company continues to believe none of its products, including its unregulated bus converters, infringe any valid claim of the asserted SynQor patents, either alone or when used in an intermediate bus architecture implementation. The Company believes SynQor’s claims lack merit and, therefore, continues to vigorously defend itself against SynQor’s patent infringement allegations. The Company does not believe a loss is probable for this matter. If a loss were to be incurred, however, the Company cannot estimate the amount of possible loss or range of possible loss at this time. In addition to the SynQor matter, the Company is involved in certain other litigation and claims incidental to the conduct of its business. While the outcome of lawsuits and claims against the Company cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not expect any current litigation or claims will have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Segment Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

10. Segment Information

The Company has organized its business segments according to its key product lines. The Brick Business Unit segment (“BBU”) designs, develops, manufactures and markets the Company’s modular DC-DC converters and configurable products, and also includes the entities comprising Vicor Custom Power and the BBU operations of Vicor Japan Company, Ltd. (“VJCL”). The VI Chip segment includes VI Chip Corporation, which designs, develops, manufactures and markets many of the Company’s advanced power component products. The VI Chip segment also includes the VI Chip business conducted through VJCL. The Picor segment includes Picor Corporation, which designs, develops, manufactures and markets integrated circuits and related products for use in a variety of power management and power system applications. The Picor segment develops these products for use in the Company’s BBU and VI Chip modules, to be sold as complements to the Company’s BBU and VI Chip products, or for sale to third parties for separate (i.e., stand-alone) applications.

The Company’s chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and allocates resources based on segment revenues and segment operating income (loss). The operating income (loss) for each segment includes selling, general and administrative and research and development expenses directly attributable to the segment. Certain of the Company’s indirect overhead costs, which include corporate selling, general and administrative expenses, are allocated among the segments based upon an estimate of costs associated with each segment. Assets allocated to each segment are based upon specific identification of such assets, which include accounts receivable, inventories, fixed assets and certain other assets. The Corporate segment consists of those operations and assets shared by all segments. The costs of certain centralized executive and administrative functions are recorded in this segment, as are certain shared assets, most notably cash and cash equivalents, deferred tax assets, long-term investments, the Company’s facilities in Massachusetts, real estate and other assets. The Company’s accounting policies and method of presentation for segments are consistent with that used throughout the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following table provides segment financial data for the three months ended March 31 (in thousands):


	BBU		VI Chip			Picor			Corporate			Eliminations (1)			Total
2017:
Net revenues	$	37,535	$	12,922		$	6,858		$	—		$	(2,853	)	$	54,462
Income (loss) from operations		1,420		(3,920	)		1,368			(246	)		—			(1,378	)
Total assets		206,812		22,736			10,268			69,507			(152,752	)		156,571
Depreciation and amortization		973		629			180			375			—			2,157

2016:
Net revenues	$	36,869	$	7,747		$	2,955		$	—		$	(1,544	)	$	46,027
Income (loss) from operations		1,506		(5,708	)		(1,004	)		(223	)		—			(5,429	)
Total assets		176,502		17,247			5,724			77,569			(125,132	)		151,910
Depreciation and amortization		1,119		584			126			366			—			2,195

(1)

The elimination for net revenues is principally related to inter-segment sales by Picor to BBU and VI Chip and for inter-segment sales by VI Chip to BBU. The elimination for total assets is principally related to inter-segment accounts receivable due to BBU for the funding of VI Chip and Picor operations.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards	3 Months Ended
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards	11. Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance to clarify how certain cash receipts and cash payments should be presented in the statement of cash flows. These include debt prepayment, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, distributions received from equity method investees and beneficial interests in securitization transactions. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company has not yet determined the impact this new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which will require measurement and recognition of expected credit losses on certain types of financial instruments. It also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and provides for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. It is required to be applied on a modified-retrospective approach with certain elements being adopted prospectively. The Company has not yet determined the impact this new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance for employee share-based payment accounting, which makes several modifications to existing guidance related to the accounting for forfeitures, employer tax withholding on share-based compensation and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or deficiencies. This new guidance also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based awards. In terms of the accounting for forfeitures, the new guidance allows an option for them to either be estimated, as currently required, or recognized when they occur. The Company will continue to estimate forfeitures. The Company adopted the new standard on January 1, 2017. (See Note 8 – Income Taxes for additional details on the impact of the adoption). In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance for lease accounting, which will require lessees to recognize leases on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The new guidance establishes a right-of-use model (“ROU”) that will require a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than twelve months. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement. For lessors, the guidance modifies the classification criteria and accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company plans to adopt the new guidance effective January 1, 2019. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition which includes certain practical expedients. The Company has not yet determined the impact this new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In July 2015, the FASB issued new guidance for inventory accounting, which requires companies to measure in scope inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Existing guidance required an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. The new guidance does not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) or retail inventory methods. The guidance applies to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (“FIFO”), which the Company employs, or average cost methods. The new guidance, which the Company adopted on January 1, 2017, did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance for revenue recognition, which will require an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The new guidance, which includes several amendments, will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles when it becomes effective which will be, for the Company, on January 1, 2018. The new standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company currently defers revenue and the related cost of sales on shipments to stocking distributors until the distributors resell the products to their customers. Upon adoption of the new guidance, the Company will no longer be permitted to defer revenue until sale by the stocking distributor to the end customer, but rather, will be required to estimate the effects of returns and allowances provided to stocking distributors and record revenue at the time of sale to the stocking distributor. The Company plans to utilize the retrospective transition method for adoption of the standard. Upon adoption, the Company will recognize the cumulative effect of adopting this guidance as an adjustment to the balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2016. The Company is continuing to evaluate the method of adoption and the future impact the new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and expects to complete its initial assessment of financial statement impacts by the third quarter of 2017. Other new pronouncements issued but not effective until after March 31, 2017 are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

- Definition

The entire disclosure of changes in accounting principles, including adoption of new accounting pronouncements, that describes the new methods, amount and effects on financial statement line items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507316

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Direct Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66092750

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Indirect Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515603

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 2
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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+ Details

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards	In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance to clarify how certain cash receipts and cash payments should be presented in the statement of cash flows. These include debt prepayment, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, distributions received from equity method investees and beneficial interests in securitization transactions. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company has not yet determined the impact this new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which will require measurement and recognition of expected credit losses on certain types of financial instruments. It also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and provides for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. It is required to be applied on a modified-retrospective approach with certain elements being adopted prospectively. The Company has not yet determined the impact this new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance for employee share-based payment accounting, which makes several modifications to existing guidance related to the accounting for forfeitures, employer tax withholding on share-based compensation and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or deficiencies. This new guidance also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based awards. In terms of the accounting for forfeitures, the new guidance allows an option for them to either be estimated, as currently required, or recognized when they occur. The Company will continue to estimate forfeitures. The Company adopted the new standard on January 1, 2017. (See Note 8 – Income Taxes for additional details on the impact of the adoption). In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance for lease accounting, which will require lessees to recognize leases on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The new guidance establishes a right-of-use model (“ROU”) that will require a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than twelve months. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement. For lessors, the guidance modifies the classification criteria and accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company plans to adopt the new guidance effective January 1, 2019. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition which includes certain practical expedients. The Company has not yet determined the impact this new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In July 2015, the FASB issued new guidance for inventory accounting, which requires companies to measure in scope inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Existing guidance required an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. The new guidance does not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) or retail inventory methods. The guidance applies to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (“FIFO”), which the Company employs, or average cost methods. The new guidance, which the Company adopted on January 1, 2017, did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance for revenue recognition, which will require an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The new guidance, which includes several amendments, will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles when it becomes effective which will be, for the Company, on January 1, 2018. The new standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company currently defers revenue and the related cost of sales on shipments to stocking distributors until the distributors resell the products to their customers. Upon adoption of the new guidance, the Company will no longer be permitted to defer revenue until sale by the stocking distributor to the end customer, but rather, will be required to estimate the effects of returns and allowances provided to stocking distributors and record revenue at the time of sale to the stocking distributor. The Company plans to utilize the retrospective transition method for adoption of the standard. Upon adoption, the Company will recognize the cumulative effect of adopting this guidance as an adjustment to the balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2016. The Company is continuing to evaluate the method of adoption and the future impact the new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and expects to complete its initial assessment of financial statement impacts by the third quarter of 2017. Other new pronouncements issued but not effective until after March 31, 2017 are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Long-Term Investments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Summary of Available-for-Sale Securities

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities (in thousands):


			Gross		Gross		Estimated
			Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
March 31, 2017	Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
Failed Auction Security	$	3,000	$	—	$	474	$	2,526


			Gross		Gross		Estimated
			Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
December 31, 2016	Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
Failed Auction Security	$	3,000	$	—	$	492	$	2,508

Rollforward of Credit (Gain) Loss Recognized in Earnings on Failed Auction Security

The following table represents a rollforward of the activity related to the credit loss recognized in earnings on the Failed Auction Security for the three months ended March 31 (in thousands):


	2017			2016
Balance at the beginning of the period	$	59		$	72
Reductions in the amount related to credit gain for which other-than-
temporary impairment was not previously recognized		(3	)		(4	)

Balance at the end of the period	$	56		$	68

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of available-for-sale securities which includes, but is not limited to, changes in the cost basis and fair value, fair value and gross unrealized gain (loss), fair values by type of security, contractual maturity and classification, amortized cost basis, contracts to acquire securities to be accounted for as available-for-sale, debt maturities, transfers to trading, change in net unrealized holding gain (loss) net of tax, continuous unrealized loss position fair value, aggregate losses qualitative disclosures, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses or other disclosures related to available for sale securities.

+ References + Details

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis included the following as of March 31, 2017 (in thousands):


	Using
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)			Total Fair Value as of March 31, 2017
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds	$	9,601	$	—	$	—		$	9,601
Long-term investments:
Failed Auction Security		—		—		2,526			2,526
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration obligations		—		—		(208	)		(208	)

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis included the following as of December 31, 2016 (in thousands):


	Using
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)			Total Fair Value as of December 31, 2016
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds	$	10,114	$	—	$	—		$	10,114
Long-term investments:
Failed Auction Security		—		—		2,508			2,508
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration obligations		—		—		(253	)		(253	)

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements as of March 31, 2017 is as follows (dollars in thousands):


			Valuation	Unobservable	Weighted
	Fair Value		Technique	Input	Average
Failed Auction Security	$	2,526	Discounted cash flow	Cumulative probability of earning the maximum rate until maturity	0.04%
				Cumulative probability of principal return prior to maturity	94.05%
				Cumulative probability of default	5.91%
				Liquidity risk premium	5.00%
				Recovery rate in default	40.00%

Change in Estimated Fair Values Calculated for Investment Valued on Recurring Basis Utilizing Level 3 Inputs

The change in the estimated fair value calculated for the investment valued on a recurring basis utilizing Level 3 inputs

(i.e., the Failed Auction Security) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was as follows (in thousands):


Balance at the beginning of the period	$	2,508
Credit gain on available-for-sale securities included in Other income (expense), net		3
Gain included in Other comprehensive income (loss)		15

Balance at the end of the period	$	2,526

Change in Estimated Fair Value Calculated for Liabilities Valued on Recurring Basis Utilizing Level 3 Inputs

The change in the estimated fair value calculated for the liabilities valued on a recurring basis utilizing Level 3 inputs

(i.e., the Contingent consideration obligations) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was as follows (in thousands):


Balance at the beginning of the period	$	253
Payments		(45	)

Balance at the end of the period	$	208

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

Stock-based compensation expense, net for the three months ended March 31 was as follows (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2017		2016
Cost of revenues	$	34	$	52
Selling, general and administrative		180		238
Research and development		40		39

Total stock-based compensation	$	254	$	329

Net Loss per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation Of Basic And Diluted Net Loss Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share for the three months ended March 31 (in thousands, except per share amounts):


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2017			2016
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to Vicor Corporation	$	(974	)	$	(5,351	)

Denominator:
Denominator for basic net loss per share-weighted average shares (1)		39,070			38,794
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options (2)		—			—

Denominator for diluted net loss per share – adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions		39,070			38,794

Basic net loss per share	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.14	)

Diluted net loss per share	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.14	)

(1)	Denominator represents weighted average number of shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding.

(2)	Options to purchase 1,612,001 and 731,672 shares of Common Stock for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were not included in the calculation of net loss per share as the effect would have been antidilutive.

Inventories (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Inventories

Inventories were as follows (in thousands):


	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
Raw materials	$	18,612	$	18,648
Work-in-process		3,800		3,361
Finished goods		5,017		5,127

Net balance	$	27,429	$	27,136

Product Warranties (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Guarantees [Abstract]

Product Warranty Activity

Product warranty activity for the three months ended March 31 was as follows (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2017			2016
Balance at the beginning of the period	$	214		$	584
Accruals for warranties for products sold in the period		104			122
Fulfillment of warranty obligations		(73	)		(68	)
Revisions of estimated obligations		(60	)		(50	)

Balance at the end of the period	$	185		$	588

Income Taxes (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

(Benefit) Provision for Income Taxes and Effective Income Tax Rates

The (benefit) provision for income taxes and the effective income tax rates for the three months ended March 31 were as follows (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2017			2016
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	$	(99	)	$	22
Effective income tax rate		(9.4	)%		0.4	%

Segment Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Financial Data

The following table provides segment financial data for the three months ended March 31 (in thousands):


	BBU		VI Chip			Picor			Corporate			Eliminations (1)			Total
2017:
Net revenues	$	37,535	$	12,922		$	6,858		$	—		$	(2,853	)	$	54,462
Income (loss) from operations		1,420		(3,920	)		1,368			(246	)		—			(1,378	)
Total assets		206,812		22,736			10,268			69,507			(152,752	)		156,571
Depreciation and amortization		973		629			180			375			—			2,157

2016:
Net revenues	$	36,869	$	7,747		$	2,955		$	—		$	(1,544	)	$	46,027
Income (loss) from operations		1,506		(5,708	)		(1,004	)		(223	)		—			(5,429	)
Total assets		176,502		17,247			5,724			77,569			(125,132	)		151,910
Depreciation and amortization		1,119		584			126			366			—			2,195

(1)

Long-Term Investments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Unrealized Losses On Short Term And Long Term Investments [Line Items]
Minimum period for which failed auction securities been in unrealized loss position	12 months
Failed Auction Security [Member]
Unrealized Losses On Short Term And Long Term Investments [Line Items]
Amortized cost of securities	$ 3,000,000	$ 3,000,000
Period for which failed auction securities been in unrealized loss position	Exceeds 12 months
Estimated Fair Value	$ 2,526,000	2,508,000
Gross unrealized losses	474,000	492,000
Aggregate credit loss	56,000	$ 59,000	$ 68,000	$ 72,000
Aggregate temporary impairment loss	$ 418,000

Long-Term Investments - Summary of Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) - Failed Auction Security [Member] - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	$ 3,000,000	$ 3,000,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross unrealized losses	474,000	492,000
Estimated Fair Value	$ 2,526,000	$ 2,508,000

Long-Term Investments - Rollforward of Credit (Gain) Loss Recognized in Earnings on Failed Auction Security (Detail) - Failed Auction Security [Member] - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 59,000	$ 72,000
Reductions in the amount related to credit gain for which other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized	(3,000)	(4,000)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 56,000	$ 68,000

Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Failed Auction Security [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	$ 2,526,000	$ 2,508,000
Recurring [Member] \| Contingent Consideration Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Liabilities, fair value on recurring basis	(208,000)	(253,000)
Recurring [Member] \| Failed Auction Security [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	2,526,000	2,508,000
Recurring [Member] \| Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	9,601,000	10,114,000
Recurring [Member] \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] \| Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	9,601,000	10,114,000
Recurring [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Contingent Consideration Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Liabilities, fair value on recurring basis	(208,000)	(253,000)
Recurring [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Failed Auction Security [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	$ 2,526,000	$ 2,508,000

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Percent of credit loss	2.00%
Rate of return required	5.00%
Estimated timeframe for auctions of securities minimum	3 years
Estimated timeframe for auctions of securities maximum	5 years
Percentage of liquidity risk premium	5.00%
Increase or decrease in the liquidity risk premium	1.00%
Increase or decrease, respectively, the fair value of the Failed Auction Securities	$ 100,000
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements - Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (Detail) - Failed Auction Security [Member] - Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	$ 2,526
Valuation Technique	Discounted cash flow
Cumulative Probability of Earning Maximum Rate Until Maturity [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unobservable Input	Cumulative probability of earning the maximum rate until maturity
Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.04%
Cumulative Probability of Principal Return Prior to Maturity [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unobservable Input	Cumulative probability of principal return prior to maturity
Weighted Average Interest Rate	94.05%
Cumulative Probability of Default [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unobservable Input	Cumulative probability of default
Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.91%
Liquidity Risk Premium [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unobservable Input	Liquidity risk premium
Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.00%
Recovery Rate in Default [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unobservable Input	Recovery rate in default
Weighted Average Interest Rate	40.00%

Fair Value Measurements - Change in Estimated Fair Values Calculated for Investment Valued on Recurring Basis Utilizing Level 3 Inputs (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 2,508
Credit gain on available-for-sale securities included in Other income (expense), net	3
Gain included in Other comprehensive income (loss)	15
Balance at the end of the period	$ 2,526

Fair Value Measurements - Change in Estimated Fair Value Calculated for Liabilities Valued on Recurring Basis Utilizing Level 3 Inputs (Detail) - Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] - Contingent Consideration Obligations [Member] $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 253
Payments	(45)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 208

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation	$ 254	$ 329
Cost of Revenues [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation	34	52
Selling, General and Administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation	180	238
Research and Development [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation	$ 40	$ 39

Net Loss per Share - Computation Of Basic And Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to Vicor Corporation	$ (974)	$ (5,351)
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net loss per share-weighted average shares	39,070	38,794
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options	0	0
Denominator for diluted net loss per share - adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions	39,070	38,794
Basic net loss per share	$ (0.02)	$ (0.14)
Diluted net loss per share	$ (0.02)	$ (0.14)

Net Loss per Share - Computation Of Basic And Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Parenthetical) (Detail) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Options to purchase shares of Common Stock not included in the calculation of net loss per share	1,612,001	731,672

Inventories - Summary of Inventories (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 18,612	$ 18,648
Work-in-process	3,800	3,361
Finished goods	5,017	5,127
Net balance	$ 27,429	$ 27,136

Product Warranties - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
Product Warranties - Additional Information (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2017
Guarantees [Abstract]
Product warranty period	2 years
Extended product warranty period	3 years
Extended product warranty description	Effective January 1, 2017, the Company extended the warranty period to three years for certain military grade products sold after that date.

Product Warranties - Product Warranty Activity (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Guarantees [Abstract]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 214	$ 584
Accruals for warranties for products sold in the period	104	122
Fulfillment of warranty obligations	(73)	(68)
Revisions of estimated obligations	(60)	(50)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 185	$ 588

Income Taxes - (Benefit) Provision for Income Taxes and Effective Income Tax Rates (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	$ (99)	$ 22
Effective income tax rate	(9.40%)	0.40%

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Cumulative-effect adjustment to increase gross deferred tax assets and related valuation allowance against deferred tax assets	$ 3,485,000
Valuation allowance, deferred tax assets	$ 32,759,000
Converpower Corporation [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by parent in certain operating assets and cash	100.00%
Unremitted earnings reversed	$ 55,000

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Capital expenditure commitments	$ 2,734,000

Segment Information - Segment Financial Data (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	$ 54,462	$ 46,027
Income (loss) from operations	(1,378)	(5,429)
Total assets	156,571	151,910	$ 154,067
Depreciation and amortization	2,157	2,195
Operating Segments [Member] \| BBU [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	37,535	36,869
Income (loss) from operations	1,420	1,506
Total assets	206,812	176,502
Depreciation and amortization	973	1,119
Operating Segments [Member] \| VI Chip [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	12,922	7,747
Income (loss) from operations	(3,920)	(5,708)
Total assets	22,736	17,247
Depreciation and amortization	629	584
Operating Segments [Member] \| Picor [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	6,858	2,955
Income (loss) from operations	1,368	(1,004)
Total assets	10,268	5,724
Depreciation and amortization	180	126
Operating Segments [Member] \| Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from operations	(246)	(223)
Total assets	69,507	77,569
Depreciation and amortization	375	366
Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	(2,853)	(1,544)
Total assets	$ (152,752)	$ (125,132)