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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Entity Registrant Name	VICOR CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000751978
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
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			$ 138,170,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		30,043,777
Class B Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,767,052

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 84,554	$ 71,908
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $292 in 2012 and $266 in 2011	27,165	31,410
Inventories, net	29,955	35,752
Deferred tax assets	1,776	2,176
Other current assets	2,613	3,088
Total current assets	146,063	144,334
Long-term investments, net	6,736	9,585
Property, plant and equipment, net	44,092	47,241
Long-term deferred tax assets	3,523	2,542
Other assets	2,167	4,439
Total assets	202,581	208,141
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	6,812	8,151
Accrued compensation and benefits	7,400	7,337
Accrued expenses	2,233	2,846
Income taxes payable	336	420
Deferred revenue	784	1,194
Total current liabilities	17,565	19,948
Long-term deferred revenue	1,549	2,124
Long-term income taxes payable	1,494	1,359
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Vicor Corporation stockholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued
Common Stock, value	390	387
Additional paid-in capital	167,498	166,227
Retained earnings	132,285	136,362
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(112)	(322)
Treasury stock at cost:8,398,398 shares in 2012 and 2011	(121,827)	(121,827)
Total Vicor Corporation stockholders' equity	178,352	180,945
Noncontrolling interest	3,621	3,765
Total equity	181,973	184,710
Total Liabilities and equity	202,581	208,141
Class B Common Stock
Vicor Corporation stockholders' equity:
Common Stock, value	118	118
Total equity	$ 118	$ 118

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Vote $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) Vote $ / shares shares
Current assets:
Accounts receivable, less allowance \| $	$ 292	$ 266
Vicor Corporation stockholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, par value \| $ / shares	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued
Common Stock, votes per share \| Vote	1	1
Common Stock, par value \| $ / shares	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized	62,000,000	62,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	38,442,175	38,441,595
Common Stock, shares outstanding	30,043,777	30,043,197
Treasury Stock, shares	8,398,398	8,398,398
Class B Common Stock
Vicor Corporation stockholders' equity:
Common Stock, votes per share \| Vote	10	10
Common Stock, par value \| $ / shares	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized	14,000,000	14,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	11,767,052	11,767,052
Common Stock, shares outstanding	11,767,052	11,767,052

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 218,507	$ 252,968	$ 250,733
Cost of revenues	126,856	146,274	136,213
Gross margin	91,651	106,694	114,520
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	55,655	54,041	49,417
Research and development	38,744	38,967	35,981
Impairment of goodwill	2,012
Gain from litigation-related settlement	(1,975)
Total operating expenses	94,436	93,008	85,398
Income (loss) from operations	(2,785)	13,686	29,122
Other income, net:
Total unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of unrealized losses	511	1,206	(271)
Portion of (losses) gains recognized, in other comprehensive income	(520)	(904)	125
Net credit (losses) gains recognized in earnings	(9)	302	(146)
Other income, net	203	44	643
Total other income, net	194	346	497
Income (loss) before income taxes	(2,591)	14,032	29,619
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	1,207	4,723	(3,920)
Consolidated net income (loss)	(3,798)	9,309	33,539
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	279	466	214
Net income (loss) attributable to Vicor Corporation	$ (4,077)	$ 8,843	$ 33,325
Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Vicor Corporation:
Basic	$ (0.10)	$ 0.21	$ 0.80
Diluted	$ (0.10)	$ 0.21	$ 0.80
Shares used to compute net income (loss) per share attributable to Vicor Corporation:
Basic	41,811	41,797	41,700
Diluted	41,811	41,856	41,772
Cash dividends declared per share		$ 0.15	$ 0.30

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Consolidated net income (loss)	$ (3,798)	$ 9,309	$ 33,539
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	(355)	151	402
Unrealized gains (losses), net of tax on available for sale securities	520	904	(125)
Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)	(3,633)	10,364	33,816
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	234	474	252
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vicor Corporation	$ (3,867)	$ 9,890	$ 33,564

- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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- Definition

Net of tax amount of unrealized holding gain (loss) before reclassification adjustments and transfers on available-for-sale securities.

+ References

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- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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+ Details

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operating activities:
Consolidated net income (loss)	$ (3,798)	$ 9,309	$ 33,539
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	10,423	11,005	10,222
Impairment of goodwill	2,012
Deferred income taxes	(369)	148	(6,274)
Stock-based compensation expense	1,244	1,923	871
Increase (decrease) in long-term deferred revenue	(139)	350	(18)
Increase in long-term income taxes payable	135
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	(105)	(133)	(213)
Gain on disposal of equipment	(33)	(21)	(249)
Credit (gain) loss on available for sale securities	9	(302)	146
Unrealized gain on trading securities			(970)
Unrealized loss on auction rate security rights			962
Change in current assets and liabilities, net	7,859	4,128	(21,122)
Net cash provided by operating activities	17,238	26,407	16,894
Investing activities:
Purchases of investments	(270)	(1,104)	(908)
Sales and maturities of investments	3,630	11,142	15,768
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(7,396)	(7,466)	(12,103)
Proceeds from sale of equipment	33	10	421
Change in restricted cash			415
(Increase) decrease in other assets	(81)	(55)	172
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(4,084)	2,527	3,765
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock	9	452	1,104
Common Stock dividends paid		(6,272)	(12,506)
Noncontrolling interest dividends paid	(378)	(690)	(552)
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	105	133	213
Net cash used in financing activities	(264)	(6,377)	(11,741)
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash	(244)	72	137
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	12,646	22,629	9,055
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	71,908	49,279	40,224
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	84,554	71,908	49,279
Change in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	4,052	7,546	(11,926)
Inventories, net	5,591	(162)	(13,928)
Other current assets	380	(224)	2,050
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(1,670)	(3,861)	3,881
Accrued severance charges			(259)
Income taxes payable	(84)	324	892
Deferred revenue	(410)	505	(1,832)
Change in current assets and liabilities, net	7,859	4,128	(21,122)
Supplemental disclosures:
Cash paid during the year for income taxes, net of refunds	$ 975	$ 4,178	$ 1,113

Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interest	Total Vicor Corporation Stockholders' Equity	Class B Common Stock	Common Stock
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2009	$ 156,066	$ 161,746	$ 112,972	$ (1,608)	$ (121,827)	$ 4,281	$ 151,785	$ 118	$ 384
Sales of Common Stock	1,104	1,103					1,104		1
Common Stock dividends paid	(12,506)		(12,506)				(12,506)
Noncontrolling interest dividends paid	(552)					(552)
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	213	213					213
Stock-based compensation expense	871	871					871
Components of comprehensive income, net of tax
Net income	33,539		33,325			214	33,325
Other comprehensive income	277			239		38	239
Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)	33,816					252	33,564
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	179,012	163,933	133,791	(1,369)	(121,827)	3,981	175,031	118	385
Sales of Common Stock	493	491					493		2
Common Stock dividends paid	(6,272)		(6,272)				(6,272)
Noncontrolling interest dividends paid	(690)					(690)
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	133	133					133
Stock-based compensation expense	1,567	1,567					1,567
Liability stock option awards reclassified to equity	103	103					103
Components of comprehensive income, net of tax
Net income	9,309		8,843			466	8,843
Other comprehensive income	1,055			1,047		8	1,047
Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)	10,364					474	9,890
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	184,710	166,227	136,362	(322)	(121,827)	3,765	180,945	118	387
Sales of Common Stock	12	9					12		3
Noncontrolling interest dividends paid	(378)					(378)
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	105	105					105
Stock-based compensation expense	1,244	1,244					1,244
Net settlement stock option exercises	(87)	(87)					(87)
Components of comprehensive income, net of tax
Net income	(3,798)		(4,077)			279	(4,077)
Other comprehensive income	165			210		(45)	210
Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)	(3,633)					234	(3,867)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 181,973	$ 167,498	$ 132,285	$ (112)	$ (121,827)	$ 3,621	$ 178,352	$ 118	$ 390

Description of Business

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Description of Business [Abstract]

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Vicor Corporation (the “Company” or “Vicor”) designs, develops, manufactures and markets modular power converters, power system components, and power systems. The Company also licenses certain rights to its technology in return for ongoing royalties. The principal markets for the Company’s power converters and systems are large Original Equipment Manufacturers and their contract manufacturers, and smaller, lower volume users which are broadly distributed across several major market areas.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure.

+ References

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Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation. Certain of the Company’s Vicor Custom Power entities are not majority owned by the Company. These entities are consolidated by the Company as management believes that the Company has the ability to exercise control over their activities and operations.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingencies at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Such estimates relate to the useful lives of fixed assets and identified intangible assets, recoverability of long-lived assets, including goodwill, fair value of long-term investments, allowances for doubtful accounts, the net realizable value of inventory, potential reserves relating to litigation matters, accrued liabilities, accrued taxes, deferred tax valuation allowances, assumptions pertaining to share-based payments and other reserves. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements.

Revenue recognition

Product revenue is recognized in the period when persuasive evidence of an arrangement with a customer exists, the products are shipped and title has transferred to the customer, the price is fixed or determinable, and collection is considered probable. License fees are recognized as earned. The Company recognizes revenue on such arrangements only when the contract is signed, the license term has begun, all obligations have been delivered to the customer, and collection is probable. The Company evaluates revenue arrangements with potential multi-element deliverables to determine if there is more than one unit of accounting. A deliverable constitutes a separate unit of accounting when it has standalone value and there are no customer-negotiated refund or return rights for the undelivered elements. The selling price for each deliverable is based on vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or best estimate of selling price (“BESP”) if neither VSOE or TPE is available. The Company defers revenue and the related cost of sales on shipments to certain distributors until the distributors resell the products to their customers.

The Company enters into arrangements containing multiple elements which may include a combination of non-recurring engineering services (“NRE”), prototype units and production units. The Company has determined that the NRE and prototype units represent one unit of accounting and the production units a separate unit of accounting, based on an assessment of the respective standalone value. When possible, revenue is allocated to the elements based on VSOE or TPE for each element. For arrangements where VSOE or TPE cannot be established, the Company uses BESP for the allocation of arrangement consideration. The objective of BESP is to determine the price at which the Company would typically transact a standalone sale of the product or service. BESP is determined by considering a number of factors including the Company’s pricing policies, internal costs and gross margin objectives, current market conditions, information gathered from experience in customer negotiations and the competitive landscape. The Company defers revenue recognition for the NRE and prototype units until completion of the final milestone under the NRE arrangement. Recognition generally takes place within six to twelve months of the initiation of the arrangement. Revenue for the production units is recognized upon shipment, as for product revenue summarized above. For certain multiple-element arrangements entered into prior to January 1, 2009 which contained a combination of technical support services, NRE, minimum license payments and future royalties, separate units of accounting could not be established. Therefore, revenue under these arrangements is deferred and recognized over the term of the arrangement. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, revenue recognized under multi-element arrangements accounted for less than 3% of net revenues.

The Company has established distribution partnerships with two leading electronic components distributors. The agreements with these distributors allow the distributors to receive price adjustment credits to return qualifying products for credit, as determined by the Company, in order to reduce the amounts of slow-moving, discontinued or obsolete product from their inventory. Distributors are also granted price adjustment credits in the event of a price decrease subsequent to the date the product was shipped and billed to the distributor. Given the uncertainties associated with the levels of price adjustment credits to be granted to distributors, the sales price to the distributor is not fixed or determinable until the distributor resells the products to their customers. Therefore, the Company defers revenue and the related cost of sales on shipments to distributors until the distributors resell the products to their customers and so the Company’s revenue fully reflects end customer purchases and is not impacted by distributor inventory levels. These agreements limit such returns to a certain percentage of the value of the Company’s shipments to that distributor during the prior quarter. In addition, distributors are allowed to return unsold products if the Company terminates the relationship with the distributor. Title to the inventory transfers to the distributor at the time of shipment or delivery to the distributor, and payment from the distributor is due in accordance with the Company’s standard payment terms. These payment terms are not contingent upon the distributors’ sale of the products to their customers. Upon title transfer to distributors, inventory is reduced for the cost of goods shipped, the margin (sales less cost of sales) is recorded as “deferred income on shipments to distributors, net” and an account receivable is recorded. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had gross deferred revenue of approximately $625,000 and gross deferred cost of revenues of approximately $249,000 under these agreements. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had gross deferred revenue of approximately $176,000 and gross deferred cost of revenues of approximately $72,000 under these agreements.

Foreign currency translation

The financial statements of Vicor Japan Company, Ltd. (“VJCL”), a majority owned subsidiary, for which the functional currency is the Japanese yen, have been translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date for balance sheet amounts and the average exchange rates in effect during the year for income statement amounts. The gains and losses resulting from the changes in exchange rates from year to year have been reported in other comprehensive income.

Transaction gains and losses and translation gains (losses) resulting from the remeasurement of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries where the functional currency is the U.S. dollar are included in other income, net. Foreign currency gains (losses) included in other income, net, were approximately ($46,000), ($326,000), and ($158,000) in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include funds held in checking and money market accounts, certificates of deposit and debt securities with maturities of less than three months at the time of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost which approximates market value. The Company’s money market securities, which are classified as cash equivalents on the balance sheet, are purchased and redeemed at par. The estimated fair value is equal to the cost of the securities and due to the nature of the securities there are no unrealized gains or losses at the balance sheet dates.

Long-term investments

The Company’s principal sources of liquidity are its existing balances of cash and cash equivalents, as well as cash generated from operations. Consistent with the Company’s investment policy guidelines, the Company can invest, and has historically invested, its cash balances in demand deposit accounts, money market funds, brokered certificates of deposit and auction rate securities meeting certain quality criteria. All of the Company’s investments are subject to credit, liquidity, market, and interest rate risk.

The Company’s long-term investments are classified as either available-for-sale or trading securities. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, attributable to credit loss recorded through the statement of operations and unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, attributable to other non-credit factors recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss,” a component of Total Equity. In determining the amount of credit loss, the Company compares the present value of cash flows expected to be collected to the amortized cost basis of the securities, considering, among other factors, credit default risk probabilities and changes in credit ratings as significant inputs. Trading securities are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded through the Consolidated Statements of Operations each reporting period.

The amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity, the net amount of which, along with interest and realized gains and losses, is included in “Other income, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company periodically evaluates investments to determine if impairment is required, whether an impairment is other than temporary, and the measurement of an impairment loss. The Company considers a variety of impairment indicators such as, but not limited to, a significant deterioration in the earnings performance, credit rating, or asset quality of the investment.

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 that 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:


Level 1		Inputs used to measure fair value are unadjusted quoted prices available in active markets for the identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.

Level 2		Inputs used to measure fair value, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date through correlation with market data, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and quoted prices in inactive markets. Level 2 also includes assets and liabilities valued using models or other pricing methodologies that do not require significant judgment since the input assumptions used in the models, such as interest rates and volatility factors, are corroborated by readily observable data from actively quoted markets for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3		Inputs used to measure fair value are unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity and reflect the use of significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management’s estimates of market participant assumptions.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.

The Company uses the fair value option for certain financial assets, which allows an entity the irrevocable option to elect fair value for the initial and subsequent measurement for specified financial assets and liabilities on a case-by-case basis.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments, based on assessments of customers’ credit-risk profiles and payment histories. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. The Company does not require collateral from its customers.

Inventories

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

The Company provides reserves for inventories estimated to be excess, obsolete or unmarketable. The Company’s estimation process for assessing net realizable value is based upon its known backlog, projected future demand and expected market conditions. 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.

Concentrations of risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, long-term investments and trade accounts receivable. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents and certain other financial instruments with various large financial institutions. Generally, amounts invested with these financial institutions are in excess of FDIC insurance limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant credit risk. The Company’s long-term investments consist of highly rated (AAA/Aaa/A3) municipal and corporate debt securities in which a significant portion are invested in auction rate securities. As of December 31, 2012, the Company was holding a total of approximately $6,100,000 in auction rate securities, all of which are collateralized by student loans. Through December 31, 2012, auctions held for all of the Company’s auction rate securities have failed. The funds associated with auction rate securities that have failed auction may not be accessible until a successful auction occurs, a buyer is found outside of the auction process, the security is called, or the underlying securities have matured. If the credit rating of the issuer of any auction rate security held deteriorates, the Company may be required to adjust the carrying value of the investment for an other-than-temporary decline in value through an impairment charge. The Company’s investment policy, approved by the Board of Directors, limits the amount the Company may invest in any issuer, thereby reducing credit risk concentrations.

The Company’s products are sold worldwide to customers ranging from smaller, independent manufacturers of highly specialized electronic devices to larger original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and their contract manufacturers. The applications in which these products are used are in the higher-performance, higher-power segments of the power systems market, including, in alphabetical order, aerospace and defense electronics, enterprise and high performance computing, industrial automation, telecommunications and networking infrastructure, test and measurement instrumentation, and vehicles and transportation. While, overall, the Company has a broad customer base and sells into a variety of industries, the Company’s VI Chip subsidiary has derived a substantial portion of its revenue from one customer and the Company’s Picor subsidiary has derived a substantial portion of its revenue from a limited number of customers. This concentration of revenue is a reflection of the relatively early stage of adoption of the technologies, architectures and products offered by these subsidiaries, and their targeting of market leading innovators as initial customers. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the number of entities comprising the Company’s customer base. As of December 31, 2012, two customers accounted for approximately 12.7% and 10.6% of trade account receivables, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2011, one customer accounted for approximately 15.4% of trade account receivables. Credit losses have consistently been within management’s expectations.

Components and materials used in the Company’s products are purchased from a variety of vendors. While most of the components are available from multiple sources, some key components for certain VI Chip and Picor products, in particular, are supplied by single vendors. In instances of single source items, the Company maintains levels of inventories management consider to be appropriate to enable meeting the delivery requirements of customers. If suppliers or subcontractors cannot provide their products or services on time or to the required specifications, the Company may not be able to meet the demand for its products and its delivery times may be negatively affected.

Long-lived assets

The Company reviews property, plant and equipment and finite lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Management determines whether the carrying value of an asset or asset group is recoverable based on comparison to the undiscounted expected future cash flows the assets are expected to generate over their remaining economic lives. If an asset is not recoverable, the impairment loss is equal to the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value, which is determined by either a quoted market price, if any, or a value determined by utilizing a discounted cash flow technique. Evaluation of impairment of long-lived assets requires estimates of future operating results that are used in the preparation of the expected future undiscounted cash flows. Actual future operating results and the remaining economic lives of our long-lived assets could differ from the estimates used in assessing the recoverability of these assets. These differences could result in impairment charges, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations.

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Goodwill is subject to an annual impairment test, at the reporting unit level, or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. The Company performs the annual test in the fourth quarter. While a qualitative option is available, the performance of the quantitative test involves a two-step process. The first step of the impairment test involves comparing the fair values of the reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. The Company generally determines the fair value of the reporting unit using the income approach methodology of valuation that includes the discounted cash flow method, as well as other generally accepted valuation methodologies, which requires significant judgment by management. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, management performs the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of the impairment loss. The second step of the goodwill impairment test involves comparing the implied fair value of the affected reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying value of that goodwill. The amount by which the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, if any, is recognized as an impairment loss. These impairment tests may result in impairment losses that could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations.

Values assigned to patents are amortized using the straight-line method over periods ranging from three to twenty years.

Goodwill and other intangible assets are included in “Other assets” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Other investments

The Company accounts for its investment in Great Wall Semiconductor Corporation (“GWS”) under the equity method of accounting.

Advertising expense

The cost of advertising is expensed as incurred. The Company incurred $1,910,000, $1,645,000 and $2,378,000 in advertising costs during 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Product warranties

The Company generally offers a two-year warranty for all of its products. The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time product revenue is recognized. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty reserves include the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty returns and the cost per return. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of the warranty reserves and adjusts the amounts as necessary. Warranty obligations are included in “Accrued expenses” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Net income (loss) per common share

The Company computes basic earnings per share using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and diluted earnings per share using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of outstanding dilutive stock options, if any. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share for the years ended December 31 (in thousands, except per share amounts):


	2012			2011		2010
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Vicor Corporation	$	(4,077	)	$	8,843	$	33,325

Denominator:
Denominator for basic income (loss) per share-weighted average shares (1)		41,811			41,797		41,700
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options (2)		—			59		72

Denominator for diluted income (loss) per share — adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions (3)		41,811			41,856		41,772

Basic income (loss) per share	$	(0.10	)	$	0.21	$	0.80

Diluted income (loss) per share	$	(0.10	)	$	0.21	$	0.80

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

(2)

Options to purchase 545,345 shares of Common Stock in 2012 were not included in the calculation of net loss per share as the effect would have been antidilutive. Options to purchase 305,268 and 345,998 shares of Common Stock were outstanding in 2011 and 2010, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted income per share because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the Common Stock and, therefore, the effect would have been antidilutive.

(3)	Denominator represents weighted average number of Common Shares and Class B Common Shares outstanding for the year, adjusted to include the dilutive effect, if any, of outstanding options.

Income taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted income tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Additionally, deferred tax assets and liabilities are separated into current and noncurrent amounts based on the classification of the related assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes or the expected reversal.

The Company follows a two-step process to determine the amount of tax benefit to recognize. First, the tax position must be evaluated to determine the likelihood that it will be sustained upon examination by a tax authority. If the tax position is deemed “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained, the tax position is then assessed to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The amount of the benefit that may be recognized is the largest amount that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. If the tax position does not meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold then it is not recognized in the financial statements. Additionally, the Company accrues interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

Stock-based compensation

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the grant-date fair value of stock option awards. The resulting compensation expense, net of expected forfeitures, for non performance-based stock options is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period of the award, which is generally five years for stock options. For stock options with performance-based vesting provisions, recognition of compensation expense, net of expected forfeitures, commences if and when the achievement of the performance criteria is deemed probable. The compensation expense, net of expected forfeitures, for performance-based stock options is recognized over the relevant performance period. The unrecognized tax benefits, including accrued interest and penalties, if any, are included in “Long-term income taxes payable” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Comprehensive income (loss)

The components of comprehensive income (loss) include, in addition to net income (loss), unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of tax and foreign currency translation adjustments related to VJCL.

Impact of recently issued accounting standards

The Company will be adopting new accounting guidance related to disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities beginning January 1, 2013. The new accounting guidance amends ASC 210, Balance Sheet, to converge the presentation of offsetting assets and liabilities between U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and requires entities disclose both gross information and new information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. The adoption of this new guidance will require additional disclosures related to offsetting assets and liabilities, if any, but will not materially impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted new accounting guidance related to the presentation of comprehensive income. Subsequently, additional guidance was issued for the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated comprehensive income. This guidance requires an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The new guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this new guidance is not expected to materially impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

3. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Vicor currently grants stock options under the following equity compensation plans that are shareholder-approved:

Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “ Vicor 2000 Plan”) — Under the Vicor 2000 Plan, the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may grant stock incentive awards based on the Company’s Common Stock, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance shares, unrestricted stock, deferred stock and dividend equivalent rights. Awards may be granted to employees and other key persons, including non-employee directors. Incentive stock options may be granted to employees at a price at least equal to the fair market value per share of the Common Stock on the date of grant, and non-qualified options may be granted to non-employee directors at a price at least equal to 85% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. A total of 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock have been reserved for issuance under the Vicor 2000 Plan. The period of time during which an option may be exercised and the vesting periods are determined by the Compensation Committee. The term of each option may not exceed ten years from the date of grant.

1998 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “Vicor 1998 Plan”) — The Vicor 1998 Plan permitted the grant of share options to its employees and other key persons, including non-employee directors for the purchase of up to 2,000,000 shares of common stock. As a result of the approval of the Vicor 2000 Plan, no further grants were made under the Vicor 1998 Plan.

Picor Corporation (“Picor”), a privately held majority-owned subsidiary of Vicor, currently grants stock options under the following equity compensation plan that has been approved by its Board of Directors:

2001 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2001 Picor Plan”) — Under the 2001 Picor Plan, the Board of Directors of Picor may grant stock incentive awards based on the Picor Common Stock, including stock options, restricted stock or unrestricted stock. Awards may be granted to employees and other key persons, including non-employee directors and full or part-time officers. Incentive stock options may be granted to employees at a price at least equal to the fair market value per share of the Picor Common Stock, based on judgments made by the Company, on the date of grant. A total of 80,000,000 shares of Picor Common Stock have been reserved for issuance under the 2001 Picor Plan. The period of time during which an option may be exercised and the vesting periods are determined by the Picor Board of Directors. The term of each option may not exceed ten years from the date of grant.

VI Chip Corporation (“VI Chip”), a privately held majority-owned subsidiary of Vicor, currently grants stock options under the following equity compensation plan that has been approved by its Board of Directors:

2007 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2007 VI Chip Plan”) — Under the 2007 VI Chip Plan, the Board of Directors of VI Chip may grant stock incentive awards based on the VI Chip Common Stock, including stock options, restricted stock or unrestricted stock. Awards may be granted to employees and other key persons, including non-employee directors and full or part-time officers. Incentive stock options may be granted to employees at a price at least equal to the fair market value per share of the VI Chip Common Stock, based on judgments made by the Company, on the date of grant. A total of 100,000,000 shares of VI Chip Common Stock have been reserved for issuance under the 2007 VI Chip Plan. The period of time during which an option may be exercised and the vesting periods are determined by the VI Chip Board of Directors. The term of each option may not exceed ten years from the date of grant.

All non performance-based option awards are granted at an exercise price equal to or greater than the market price for Vicor at the date of the grant, and are granted at a price equal to or greater than the estimated fair value for both Picor and VI Chip at the date of grant. Options generally vest over various periods of up to five years and may be exercised for up to 10 years from the date of grant, which is the maximum contractual term. The Company uses the graded attribution method to recognize expense for all stock-based awards.

During the third quarter of 2010, the Company granted 1,243,750 non-qualified stock options under the Vicor 2000 Plan, with performance-based vesting provisions tied to achievement of certain quarterly revenue targets by the Brick Business Unit. Under the accounting rules for performance-based awards, the Company is required to assess, on an ongoing basis, the probability of whether the performance criteria will be achieved. If and when achievement is deemed probable, the Company will begin to recognize the associated compensation expense for the stock options over the relevant performance period. As of December 31, 2012, the Company determined that it was not probable that the revenue targets could be achieved and, accordingly, has not recorded compensation expense relating to these options since the grant date. The unrecognized compensation expense of these performance-based options was approximately $7,790,000 as of December 31, 2012. The fair value for the options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

On December 31, 2010, the Company granted 2,984,250 non-qualified stock options under the 2007 VI Chip Plan with performance-based vesting provisions tied to achievement of certain margin targets by the VI Chip Business Unit. As of December 31, 2010, the Company determined that it was probable that the margin targets could be achieved and, accordingly began recording compensation expense relating to these options beginning January 1, 2011. This determination remains the same as of December 31, 2012 and, accordingly, expense has been recorded through that date. The unrecognized compensation expense of these performance-based options was approximately $882,000 as of December 31, 2012. The fair value for the options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

Stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31 was as follows (in thousands):


	2012		2011		2010
Cost of revenues	$	45	$	68	$	19
Selling, general and administrative		864		1,188		618
Research and development		335		667		234

Total stock based compensation	$	1,244	$	1,923	$	871

The increase in stock compensation expense in 2011 compared to 2010 was primarily due to the recording of compensation expense for the VI Chip performance-based options beginning on January 1, 2011, and to a grant of Picor stock options to all Picor employees in the fourth quarter of 2010.

During 2012 and 2011, the Picor Board of Directors (the “Picor Board”) authorized different alternatives of net settlement to holders of Picor stock options in the tenth and final year of their respective terms. In addition, during the third quarter of 2011, the Picor Board approved an offer to repurchase up to 1,142,000 shares of Picor Common Stock from a limited number of holders who purchase these shares via exercise before October 31, 2011. As a result, the Company accrued $368,000 in the third quarter of 2011, representing the maximum repurchase obligation to these holders assuming all holders sold their shares. This resulted in additional stock-based compensation expense of $169,000 and $132,000 in Selling, general and administrative and Research and development expense, respectively, along with a charge of $67,000 against Additional paid-in-capital, in the third quarter of 2011. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company accounted for those options for which repurchase was ultimately not elected by the holder, reducing the accrual by $106,000, with the offset to Picor’s additional paid-in capital.

The fair value for the options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model under all methods with the following weighted-average assumptions:


	Non Performance- based Stock Options									Performance- based Stock Options (1)
Vicor:	2012			2011			2010			2010
Risk-free interest rate		0.7	%		1.8	%		2.3	%		2.0-2.7	%
Expected dividend yield		0.6	%		1.6	%		1.6	%		2.5	%
Expected volatility		52	%		54	%		54	%		55	%
Expected lives (years)		4.1			5.0			3.9			6.5-9.5

VI Chip:	2012			2011			2010			2010
Risk-free interest rate		1.2	%		1.5	%		2.7	%		2.7	%
Expected dividend yield		—			—			—			—
Expected volatility		50	%		49	%		49	%		49	%
Expected lives (years)		6.5			6.5			6.5			6.5

Picor:	2012			2011			2010
Risk-free interest rate		1.2	%		1.6	%		2.0	%
Expected dividend yield		—			—			—
Expected volatility		50	%		52	%		52	%
Expected lives (years)		6.5			6.5			6.5

(1)	There were no Vicor or VI Chip performance-based options granted in 2012, 2011 or prior to 2010.

Risk-free interest rate:

Vicor — The Company uses the yield on zero-coupon U.S. Treasury “Strip” securities for a period that is commensurate with the expected term assumption for each vesting period.

Picor and VI Chip — Picor and VI Chip use the yield to maturity of a seven-year U.S. Treasury bond, as it most closely aligns to the expected exercise period.

Expected dividend yield:

Vicor — The Company determines the expected dividend yield by annualizing the most recent prior cash dividends declared by the Company’s Board of Directors and dividing that result by the closing stock price on the date of that dividend declaration. Dividends are not paid on options.

Picor and VI Chip — Picor and VI Chip have not and do not expect to declare and pay dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, the expected dividend yield is not applicable.

Expected volatility:

Vicor — Vicor uses historical volatility to estimate the grant-date fair value of the options, using the expected term for the period over which to calculate the volatility (see below). The Company does not expect its future volatility to differ from its historical volatility. The computation of the Company’s volatility is based on a simple average calculation of monthly volatilities over the expected term.

Picor — As Picor is a nonpublic entity, historical volatility information is not available. An industry sector index of seven publicly traded fabless semiconductor firms was developed for calculating historical volatility for Picor. Historical prices for each of the companies in the index based on the market price of the shares on each day of trading over the expected term were used to determine the historical volatility.

VI Chip — As VI Chip is a nonpublic entity, historical volatility information is not available. An industry sector index of twelve publicly traded fabless semiconductor firms was developed for calculating historical volatility for VI Chip. Historical prices for each of the companies in the index based on the market price of the shares on each day of trading over the expected term were used to determine the historical volatility.

Expected term:

Vicor — The Company uses historical employee exercise and option expiration data to estimate the expected term assumption for the Black-Scholes grant-date valuation. The Company believes that this historical data is currently the best estimate of the expected term of options, and that generally all groups of the Company’s employees exhibit similar exercise behavior.

Picor and VI Chip— Due to the lack of historical information, the “simplified” method as prescribed by the Security and Exchange Commission was used to determine the expected term on grant awards that meet the definition of “plain vanilla”. For options that did not meet the criteria of “plain vanilla”, the Company calculated the expected term based on its best estimate of what the expected term would be.

Forfeiture rate:

The amount of stock-based compensation recognized during a period is based on the value of the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The term “forfeitures” is distinct from “cancellations” or “expirations” and represents only the unvested portion of the surrendered option. The forfeiture analysis is re-evaluated quarterly and the forfeiture rate is adjusted as necessary. Ultimately, the actual expense recognized over the vesting period will only be for those shares that vest.

Vicor — The Company currently expects that for Vicor options, based on an analysis of its historical forfeitures, that approximately 76% of its options will actually vest, and therefore has applied an annual forfeiture rate of 9.0% to all unvested options as of December 31, 2012. For 2011, the Company expected 76% of its options would actually vest and applied an annual forfeiture rate of 9.00%.

Picor — The Company currently expects that for Picor options, based on an analysis of its historical forfeitures, that approximately 92% of its options will actually vest, and therefore has applied an annual forfeiture rate of 2.75% to all unvested options as of December 31, 2012. For 2011, the Company expected 92% of its options would actually vest and applied an annual forfeiture rate of 2.75%.

VI Chip — The Company currently expects that for VI Chip options, based on an analysis of its historical forfeitures, that approximately 81% of its options will actually vest, and therefore has applied an annual forfeiture rate of 7.0% to all unvested options as of December 31, 2012. For 2011, the Company expected 81% of its options would actually vest and applied an annual forfeiture rate of 7.00%.

Vicor Stock Options

A summary of the activity under Vicor’s stock option plans as of December 31, 2012 and changes during the year then ended,is presented below (in thousands except for share and weighted-average data):


	Options Outstanding			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding on December 31, 2011		1,755,815			13.45
Granted		143,142			6.35
Forfeited and expired		(101,902	)		11.56
Exercised		(580	)		6.18

Outstanding on December 31, 2012		1,796,475			12.99		6.88	$	1

Exercisable on December 31, 2012		255,694			12.79		3.78	$	—

Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2012 (1)		1,146,572			12.71		6.50	$	1

(1)	In addition to the vested options, the Company expects a portion of the unvested options to vest at some point in the future. Options expected to vest is calculated by applying an estimated forfeiture rate to the unvested options.

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had shares exercisable of 232,078 and 359,264 respectively, for which the weighted average exercise prices were $12.00 and $15.89, respectively.

During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 under all plans, the total intrinsic value of Vicor options exercised (i.e. the difference between the market price at exercise and the price paid by the employee to exercise the options) was $2,000, $217,000, and $723,000, respectively. The total amount of cash received by the Company from options exercised in 2012 was $4,000. The total grant-date fair value of stock options that vested during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $449,000, $411,000, and $422,000, respectively.

As of December 31, 2012, there was $663,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested non-performance based awards for Vicor. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.69 years for those awards. The expense will be recognized as follows: $361,000 in 2013, $178,000 in 2014, $89,000 in 2015, $29,000 in 2016, and $6,000 in 2017. In addition, as of December 31, 2012, there was $7,790,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to performance-based stock options, for which expensing has not commenced.

The weighted-average fair value of Vicor options granted was $2.47, $5.79, and $4.78 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The weighted-average contractual life for Vicor options outstanding as of December 31, 2012 is 6.9 years.

Picor Stock Options

A summary of the activity under the 2001 Picor Plan as of December 31, 2012 and changes during the year then ended, is presented below (in thousands except for share and weighted-average data):


	Options Outstanding			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding on December 31, 2011		9,979,983			0.62
Granted		1,015,344			0.64
Forfeited and expired		(90,000	)		0.57
Exercised		(689,960	)		0.25

Outstanding on December 31, 2012		10,215,367			0.65		6.39	$	497

Exercisable on December 31, 2012		5,329,950			0.69		4.72	$	281

Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2012 (1)		9,993,801			0.65		6.35	$	488

(1)	In addition to the vested options, the Company expects a portion of the unvested options to vest at some point in the future. Options expected to vest is calculated by applying an estimated forfeiture rate to the unvested options.

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, Picor had shares exercisable of 4,684,585 and 4,213,640, respectively, for which the weighted average exercise prices were $0.64 and $0.56, respectively.

During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the total intrinsic value of Picor options exercised was $279,000 and $262,000, respectively. The total amount of cash received by Picor from options exercised in 2012 and 2011 was $172,000 and $5,000, respectively. Picor did not have any options exercised in 2010. The total grant-date fair value of stock options that vested during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $61,000, $357,000, and $68,000, respectively.

As of December 31, 2012, there was $1,212,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based awards for Picor. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.2 years for all Picor awards. The expense will be recognized as follows: $417,000 in 2013, $374,000 in 2014, $306,000 in 2015, $88,000 in 2016, and $27,000 in 2017.

The weighted-average fair value of Picor options granted was $0.32 in 2012 and 2011. The weighted-average contractual life for Picor options outstanding as of December 31, 2012 is 6.4 years.

VI Chip Stock Options

A summary of the activity under the 2007 VI Chip Plan as of December 31, 2012 and changes during the year then ended, is presented below (in thousands except for share and weighted-average data):


	Options Outstanding			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding on December 31, 2011		10,514,750			1.00
Granted		202,500			1.01
Forfeited and expired		(186,650	)		1.01
Exercised		(5,600	)		1.00

Outstanding on December 31, 2012 (2)		10,525,000			1.00		5.59	$	—

Exercisable on December 31, 2012		7,304,100			1.00		4.49	$	—

Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2012 (1)		9,922,127			1.00		5.43	$	—

(1)	In addition to the vested options, the Company expects a portion of the unvested options to vest at some point in the future. Options expected to vest is calculated by applying an estimated forfeiture rate to the unvested options.

(2)	Of the total VI Chip options outstanding on December 31, 2012, 5,500,000 options have been granted to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, VI Chip had shares exercisable of 5,869,100 and 4,436,200, respectively, for which the weighted average exercise price was $1.00.

During the year ended December 31, 2012, the total intrinsic value of VI Chip options exercised was negligible. The total amount of cash received by VI Chip from options exercised in 2012 was $6,000. VI Chip did not have any options exercised in 2011 and 2010.

As of December 31, 2012, there was $1,025,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based awards for VI Chip. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.1 years for all VI Chip awards. The expense will be recognized as follows: $272,000 in 2013, $252,000 in 2014, $252,000 in 2015, $242,000 in 2016 and $7,000 in 2017.

The weighted-average fair value of VI Chip options granted was $0.46 and $0.53 in 2012 and 2011, respectively. The weighted-average contractual life for VI Chip options outstanding as of December 31, 2012 is 5.6 years.

401(k) Plan

The Company sponsors a savings plan available to all domestic employees, which qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Employees may contribute to the plan from 1% to 80% of their pre-tax annual compensation subject to statutory limitations. The Company matches employee contributions to the plan at a rate of 50% up to the first 3% of an employee’s compensation. The Company’s matching contributions currently vest at a rate of 20% per year based upon years of service. The Company’s contribution to the plan was approximately $813,000, $810,000, and $760,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Stock Bonus Plan

Under the Company’s 1985 Stock Bonus Plan, as amended, shares of Common Stock may be awarded to employees from time to time as determined by the Board of Directors. On December 31, 2012, 109,964 shares were available for further award. All shares awarded to employees under this plan have vested. No further awards are contemplated under this plan at the present time.

- 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

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

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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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5444-113901

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Long-Term Investments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Long-Term Investments [Abstract]

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS

4. LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS

As of December 31, 2012, the Company held par value of $6,100,000 of auction rate securities. These auction rate securities consist of collateralized debt obligations, supported by pools of student loans, sponsored by state student loan agencies and corporate student loan servicing firms. The interest rates for these securities are reset at auction at regular intervals ranging from seven to 28 days. The auction rate securities held by the Company traded at par prior to February 2008 and are callable at par at the option of the issuer.

Until February 2008, the auction rate securities market was liquid, as the investment banks conducting the periodic “Dutch auctions” by which interest rates for the securities had been established had committed their capital to support such auctions in the event of insufficient third-party investor demand. Starting the week of February 11, 2008, a substantial number of auctions failed, as demand from third-party investors weakened and the investment banks conducting the auctions chose not to commit capital to support such auctions (i.e., investment banks chose not to purchase securities themselves in order to balance supply and demand, thereby facilitating a successful auction, as they had done in the past). The consequences of a failed auction are (a) an investor must hold the specific security until the next scheduled auction (unless that investor chooses to sell the security to a third party outside of the auction process) and (b) the interest rate on the security generally resets to an interest rate set forth in each security’s indenture.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company held auction rate securities that had experienced failed auctions totaling $6,100,000 at par value, all of which had been purchased through and are held by a broker-dealer affiliate of Bank of America, N.A. (the “Failed Auction Securities”). The Failed Auction Securities held by the Company are AAA/Aaa/A3 rated by the major credit rating agencies, all of which are collateralized by student loans, and are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education under the Federal Family Education Loan Program. Management is not aware of any reason to believe any of the issuers of the Failed Auction Securities held by the Company are presently at risk of default. Through December 31, 2012, the Company has continued to receive interest payments on the Failed Auction Securities in accordance with the terms of their respective indentures. Management believes the Company ultimately should be able to liquidate all of its Failed Auction Securities without significant loss primarily due to the overall quality of the issues held and the collateral securing the substantial majority of the underlying obligations. However, current conditions in the auction rate securities market have led management to conclude the recovery period for the Failed Auction Securities exceeds 12 months. As a result, the Company continued to classify the Failed Auction Securities as long-term as of December 31, 2012.

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


December 31, 2012	Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Failed Auction Securities	$	6,100	$	—	$	1,121	$	4,979
Brokered certificates of deposit		1,280		12		—		1,292
Certificates of deposit		465		—		—		465

	$	7,845	$	12	$	1,121	$	6,736


December 31, 2011	Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Failed Auction Securities	$	9,100	$	—	$	1,628	$	7,472
Brokered certificates of deposit		1,640		8		—		1,648
Certificates of deposit		465		—		—		465

	$	11,205	$	8	$	1,628	$	9,585

All of the Failed Auction Securities as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively have been in an unrealized loss position for greater than 12 months.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities on December 31, 2012, by contractual maturities, are shown below (in thousands):


	Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	925	$	928
Due in two to ten years		820		829
Due in ten to twenty years		—		—
Due in twenty to forty years		6,100		4,979

	$	7,845	$	6,736

Based on the fair value measurements described in Note 5, the fair value of the Failed Auction Securities on December 31, 2012, with a par value of $6,100,000, was estimated by the Company to be approximately $4,979,000, an increase in fair value of $507,000, net of $3,000,000 of redemptions from December 31, 2011. The gross unrealized loss of $1,121,000 on the Failed Auction Securities consists of two types of estimated loss: an aggregate credit loss of $317,000 and an aggregate temporary impairment of $804,000. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the aggregate credit loss on the Failed Auction Securities increased by a net amount of $9,000, which was recorded in “Net credit (losses) gains recognized in earnings” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In determining the amount of credit loss, the Company compared the present value of cash flows expected to be collected to the amortized cost basis of the securities, considering credit default risk probabilities and changes in credit ratings as significant inputs, among other factors (See Note 5).

The following table represents a rollforward of the activity related to the credit loss recognized in earnings on available-for-sale auction rate securities held by the Company for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):


	2012		2011			2010
Balance at the beginning of the period	$	308	$	610		$	464
Reductions for securities sold during the period		—		(373	)		(18	)
Additions for the amount related to credit loss for which other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized		9		71			164

Balance at the end of the period	$	317	$	308		$	610

At this time, the Company has no intent to sell any of the impaired Failed Auction Securities and does not believe it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell any of these securities. Management expects the securities to regain liquidity as the financial markets recover from the current economic downturn. If current market conditions deteriorate further, the Company may be required to record additional unrealized losses. If the credit rating of the security deteriorates, or the anticipated recovery in the market values does not occur, the Company may be required to adjust the carrying value of these investments through impairment charges recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, and any such impairment adjustments may be material.

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

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-Glossary Debt Security
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509901

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6379141&loc=d3e15032-111544

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27290-111563

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-Glossary Equity Security
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6511694

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27232-111563

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 320
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957658&loc=d3e62557-112803

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
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-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27357-111563

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27161-111563

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27405-111563

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 3, 19, 20, 21, 22, 137
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

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

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the following as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands):


	Using						Total Fair Value as of December 31, 2012
	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, 2012
Cash Equivalents:
Money market funds	$	12,413	$	—	$	—	$	12,413
Long-term investments:
Failed Auction Securities		—		—		4,979		4,979
Brokered certificates of deposit		—		1,292		—		1,292
Certificates of deposit		465		—		—		465

The Company has brokered certificates of deposit classified as Level 2 because the fair value for these investments has been determined utilizing observable inputs from non-active markets. The fair values fluctuate with changes in market interest rates obtained from information available in publicly quoted markets. Management tested the reported fair values by comparing them to net present value calculations utilizing a discount rate based on U.S. Treasury “STRIPS” (i.e., Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal Securities) for similar maturities.

As of December 31, 2012, there was insufficient observable auction rate security market information available to determine the fair value of the Failed Auction Securities using Level 1 or Level 2 inputs. As such, the Company’s investments in Failed Auction Securities were deemed to require valuation using Level 3 inputs. Management, after consulting with advisors, valued the Failed Auction Securities using analyses and pricing models similar to those used by market participants (i.e., buyers, sellers, and the broker-dealers responsible for execution of the Dutch auction pricing mechanism by which each issue’s interest rate was set). Management utilized a probability weighted discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model to determine the estimated fair value of these securities as of December 31, 2012. The major assumptions used in preparing the DCF model included: estimates for the amount and timing of future interest and principal payments based on default probability assumptions used to measure the credit loss of 5.2%; the rate of return required by investors to own these securities in the current environment, which we estimate to be 5.0% above the risk free rate of return; and an estimated timeframe of three to five years for successful auctions for these securities to occur. In making these assumptions, management considered relevant factors including: the formula applicable to each security defining the interest rate paid to investors in the event of a failed auction (the “Penalty Rate”); forward projections of the interest rate benchmarks specified in such formulas; the likely timing of principal repayments; the probability of full repayment considering the guarantees by the U.S. Department of Education of the underlying student loans, guarantees by other third parties, and additional credit enhancements provided through other means; and publicly available pricing data for recently issued student loan asset-backed securities not subject to auctions. In developing its estimate of the rate of return required by investors to own these securities, management compared the Penalty Rates of the Failed Auction Securities with yields of actively traded long-term bonds with similar characteristics and, reflecting the limited liquidity for auction rate securities and the discounts to par value seen in recent tender offers by issuers and arms’ length market transactions between informed buyers and sellers, estimated the implied yield (i.e., the discount to par value) necessary to complete a sale of the Failed Auction Securities. Management has calculated an increase or decrease in the liquidity risk premium of 5.0% referenced above of 1.0% (i.e., 100 basis points) as used in the model, would decrease or increase, respectively, the fair value of the Failed Auction Securities by approximately $300,000.

For purposes of the valuation process for the Failed Auction Securities, “management” consists of senior members of the Company’s finance department. The fair value measurements for the Failed Auction Securities are reviewed and updated on a quarterly basis. The calculations are prepared by the Company’s Corporate Controller, in conjunction with information provided by its valuation advisors, and include the development and substantiation of the unobservable inputs. The methodology, assumptions, and calculations are reviewed and approved by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer.

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

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

Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements as of December 31, 2012 are as follows (dollars in thousands):


	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
Failed Auction Securities	$	4,979	Discounted cash flow	Cumulative probability of earning the maximum rate until maturity	0.01% - 0.11% (0.06%)
				Cumulative probability of principal return prior to maturity	83.74% - 94.61% (89.09%)
				Cumulative probability of default	5.38% - 16.15% (10.85%)
				Liquidity risk premium	5.00% - 5.00% (5.00%)
				Recovery rate in default	40.00% - 40.00% (40.00%)

The following table summarizes the change in the fair values for those assets valued on a recurring basis utilizing Level 3 inputs for the year ended December 31, 2012 (in thousands):


Balance at the beginning of the period	$	7,472
Redemptions		(3,000	)
Credit losses on available for sales securities included in Other income, net		(9	)
Unrealized gain included in Other comprehensive (loss) income		516

Balance at the end of the period	$	4,979

- 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

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 21
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 28
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13504-108611

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15B
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15C, 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Inventories

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Inventories [Abstract]

INVENTORIES

6. INVENTORIES

Inventories as of December 31 were as follows (in thousands):


	2012			2011
Raw materials	$	28,362		$	32,213
Work-in-process		2,707			3,524
Finished goods		6,535			6,382

		37,604			42,119
Inventory reserves		(7,649	)		(6,367	)

Net balance	$	29,955		$	35,752

Property, Plant And Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated and amortized over a period of three to 39 years generally under the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes and accelerated methods for income tax purposes.

Property, plant and equipment as of December 31 were as follows (in thousands):


	2012			2011
Land	$	2,089		$	2,089
Buildings and improvements		42,647			42,540
Machinery and equipment		218,381			213,531
Furniture and fixtures		5,964			5,895
Construction in-progress and deposits		2,465			1,124

		271,546			265,179
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(227,454	)		(217,938	)

Net balance	$	44,092		$	47,241

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $10,546,000, $11,083,000, and $9,778,000 respectively. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had approximately $1,077,000 of capital expenditure commitments.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

+ References + Details

Other Investments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Other Investments [Abstract]

OTHER INVESTMENTS

8. OTHER INVESTMENTS

The Company’s gross investment in non-voting convertible preferred stock of GWS totaled $5,000,000 as of December 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011, giving the Company an approximately 27% ownership interest in GWS. GWS and its subsidiary design and sell semiconductors, conduct research and development activities, develop and license patents, and litigate against those who infringe upon its patented technologies. A director of the Company is the founder, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), as well as the majority voting shareholder, of GWS. The Company and GWS are parties to an intellectual property cross-licensing agreement, a license agreement and two supply agreements under which the Company purchases certain components from GWS. Purchases from GWS totaled approximately $2,087,000, $5,577,000, and $5,362,000 in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The Company owed GWS approximately $281,000 and $500,000 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The Company accounts for its investment in GWS under the equity method of accounting. The Company has determined that, while GWS is a variable interest entity, the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The key factors in the Company’s assessment were that the CEO of GWS has: (i) the power to direct the activities of GWS that most significantly impact its economic performance, and (ii) has an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from GWS, respectively, that could potentially be significant to GWS.

There was no allocation of equity method income (loss) in 2012, 2011, and 2010 as GWS incurred a net loss in those years. The balance in the Company’s net investment in GWS was zero as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

9. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The Company tests goodwill for impairment at least annually at the reporting unit level. The Company performs the annual test in the fourth quarter. The goodwill of approximately $2,012,000 is related to the operations of VJCL. In 2010, the Company performed the first step of the quantitative goodwill impairment assessment and determined no impairment was indicated as the estimated fair value of VJCL exceeded its carrying value by approximately 15%. In 2011, the Company made a qualitative assessment of whether goodwill impairment existed and determined it was more likely than not the fair value of VJCL exceeded its carrying value. Therefore, the Company did not perform the quantitative two-step impairment test. In 2012, the Company performed the first step of the quantitative impairment assessment for VJCL and determined the carrying value of VJCL exceeded its fair value. The Company, therefore, performed the second step of its evaluation to calculate the impairment and, as a result, recorded a full impairment charge of $2,012,000 during the fourth quarter of 2012.

For the 2012 and 2010 annual impairment assessments management performed quantitative impairment testing. Management, after consulting with advisors, estimated the fair value of VJCL using a combination of the income and market approach. The income approach utilizes estimates of discounted future cash flows. The market approach, based on a peer group of companies, utilizes market multiples for revenues, earnings before income taxes and depreciation, and price-to-earnings. The discounted cash flows were based on a discrete financial forecast developed by management for planning purposes. Cash flows beyond the discrete forecasted years were estimated using a terminal value calculation, which incorporated historical and forecasted financial trends and considered perpetual earnings growth rates. Future cash flows were discounted to present value by incorporating appropriate present value techniques. The primary factor contributing to the impairment charge in 2012 was the reduction of forecasted cash flows due to lower cumulative forecasted revenues, and related gross margins, which in turn was due to lower forecasted revenue growth rates primarily due to the continued lack of growth in the Japanese economy as a whole. In addition, management applied a higher discount rate and a lower long term growth rate compared to the 2010 assessment, based on current economic conditions.

Definite lived intangible assets, such as patent rights, are amortized and tested for impairment at least annually at the reporting unit level.

Patent costs, which are included in other assets in the accompanying balance sheets, as of December 31 were as follows (in thousands):


	2012			2011
Patent costs	$	3,316		$	3,353
Accumulated amortization		(1,984	)		(1,877	)

	$	1,332		$	1,476

Patent renewal fees were $55,000 and $47,000 in 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Amortization expense was approximately $314,000, $325,000 and $318,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense from patent assets held as of December 31, 2012, is projected to be $182,000, $168,000, $140,000, $127,000 and $121,000, in fiscal years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively.

Under a license agreement with GWS, the Company paid $500,000 to obtain certain rights to several GWS semiconductor devices (See Note 8). The amount is being amortized on a straight-line basis over four years, and is included in “Other assets” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Balances as of December 31 were as follows (in thousands):


	2012			2011
GWS intangible assets	$	500		$	500
Accumulated amortization		(437	)		(312	)

	$	63		$	188

The future amortization expense from GWS intangible assets held as of December 31, 2012, will be $63,000 in fiscal year 2013.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Product Warranties

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Product Warranties [Abstract]

PRODUCT WARRANTIES

10. PRODUCT WARRANTIES

Product warranty activity for the years ended December 31 was as follows (in thousands):


	2012			2011			2010
Balance at the beginning of the period	$	572		$	649		$	772
Accruals for warranties for products sold in the period		439			1,392			573
Fulfillment of warranty obligations		(554	)		(1,134	)		(548	)
Revisions of estimated obligations		(93	)		(335	)		(148	)

Balance at the end of the period	$	364		$	572		$	649

Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

11. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Each share of Common Stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote on all matters submitted to the stockholders.

Each share of Class B Common Stock entitles the holder thereof to ten votes on all such matters.

Shares of Class B Common Stock are not transferable by a stockholder except to or among the stockholder’s spouse, certain of the stockholder’s relatives, and certain other defined transferees. Class B Common Stock is not listed or traded on any exchange or in any market. Class B Common Stock is convertible at the option of the holder thereof at any time and without cost to the stockholder into shares of Common Stock on a one-for-one basis.

On November 19, 2012, the Company announced its intent to commence a tender offer for shares of its Common Stock representing up to $20,000,000 in aggregate value and commenced this tender offer on November 26, 2012, with an ultimate expiration date of March 1, 2013. As of March 6, 2013, the most recent date for which information is available related to the preliminary total number of shares accepted for purchase in the tender offer, the Company will purchase no less than 2,031,995 shares of its Common Stock for aggregate consideration of approximately $10,932,000.

In November 2000, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the repurchase of up to $30,000,000 of the Company’s Common Stock (the “November 2000 Plan”). The plan authorizes the Company to make repurchases from time to time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The timing of this program and the amount of the stock that may be repurchased is at the discretion of management based on its view of economic and financial market conditions. There were no repurchases under the November 2000 Plan in 2011, 2010 or 2009. On December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had approximately $8,541,000 available for use under the November 2000 Plan.

Dividends are declared at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and depend on actual cash from operations, the Company’s financial condition and capital requirements and any other factors the Company’s Board of Directors may consider relevant.

On June 28, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.30 per share of the Company’s stock. The total dividend of approximately $12,506,000 was paid on July 30, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on July 16, 2010.

On July 22, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.15 per share of the Company’s stock. The total dividend of approximately $6,272,000 was paid on August 31, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 9, 2011.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, three subsidiaries paid a total of $5,457,000 in cash dividends, of which $4,905,000 was paid to the Company and $552,000 was paid to outside shareholders. During the year ended December 31, 2011, two subsidiaries paid a total of $2,000,000 in cash dividends, of which $1,310,000 was paid to the Company and $690,000 was paid to outside shareholders. During the year ended December 31, 2012, three subsidiaries paid a total of $1,600,000 in cash dividends, of which $1,222,000 was paid to the Company and $378,000 was paid to outside shareholders. Dividends paid to outside shareholders are accounted for as a reduction in noncontrolling interest.

During 2012, a total of 580 shares of Common Stock were issued upon the exercise of stock options. There were no shares of Class B Common Stock converted into Common Stock during 2012.

On December 31, 2012, there were 14,858,194 shares of Vicor Common Stock reserved for issuance under Vicor stock options and upon conversion of Class B Common Stock.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity, comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, if any, including other comprehensive income (as applicable). Including, but not limited to: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings; (2) accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and total amount of comprehensive income; (3) amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (4) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (5) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; (6) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented; (7) dividend restrictions and accumulated preferred dividends in arrears (in aggregate and per share amount); (8) retained earnings appropriations or restrictions, such as dividend restrictions; (9) impact of change in accounting principle, initial adoption of new accounting principle and correction of an error in previously issued financial statements; (10) shares held in trust for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); (11) deferred compensation related to issuance of capital stock; (12) note received for issuance of stock; (13) unamortized discount on shares; (14) description, terms, and number of warrants or rights outstanding; (15) shares under subscription and subscription receivables, effective date of new retained earnings after quasi-reorganization and deficit eliminated by quasi-reorganization and, for a period of at least ten years after the effective date, the point in time from which the new retained dates; and (16) retroactive effective of subsequent change in capital structure.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21484-112644

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.E)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6228006&loc=d3e74512-122707

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21488-112644

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29-31)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.C)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187143-122770

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6405834&loc=d3e23285-112656

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Preferred Stock
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21564-112644

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Section B
-Paragraph 7, 11A
-Chapter 1
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph d
-Article 4

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section E

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Article 4

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section C

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 129
-Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

+ Details

Other Income, Net

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Other Income, Net [Abstract]

OTHER INCOME, NET

12. OTHER INCOME, NET

The major changes in the components of the other income, net for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):


	2012			2011			2010
Interest income	$	136		$	259		$	442
Foreign currency (losses) gains, net		(46	)		(326	)		(158	)
Gain on disposal of equipment		33			21			249
Credit gains (losses) on available for sale securities		(9	)		302			(146	)
Unrealized gain on trading securities		—			—			970
Unrealized loss on auction rate securities rights		—			—			(962	)
Other		80			90			102

	$	194		$	346		$	497

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

13. INCOME TAXES

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 were as follows (in thousands):


	2012			2011
Deferred tax assets:
Research and development tax credit carryforwards	$	9,032		$	8,707
Inventory reserves		2,651			2,255
Stock-based compensation		2,218			1,830
Vacation accrual		1,569			1,543
Investment tax credit carryforwards		1,335			1,381
Net operating loss carryforwards		1,088			1,201
Capital loss carryforward		680			700
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward		556			556
Deferred revenue		555			635
Unrealized loss on investments		380			568
Bad debt reserves		99			92
Warranty reserves		90			144
Other		694			855

Total deferred tax assets		20,947			20,467
Less: Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		(11,480	)		(9,736	)

Net deferred tax assets		9,467			10,731
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation		(2,261	)		(3,251	)
Prepaid expenses		(733	)		(660	)
Patent amortization		(477	)		(544	)
Unremitted Vicor Custom earnings		(342	)		(337	)
Goodwill		—			(628	)
Other		(355	)		(593	)

Total deferred tax liabilities		(4,168	)		(6,013	)

Net deferred tax assets	$	5,299		$	4,718

The tax provision is based on the annual effective tax rate for the year, which includes estimated federal, state and foreign income taxes on the Company’s pre-tax income and estimated federal and state income taxes for certain noncontrolling interest subsidiaries that are not part of the Company’s consolidated income tax returns, offset in 2010 by the expected utilization of federal and foreign net operating loss carryforwards. The tax provisions also include discrete items, principally related to tax credits and expense for net increases in state taxes and accrued interest for potential liabilities.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company has a valuation allowance of approximately $11,480,000 primarily against certain state deferred tax assets, for which realization cannot be considered more likely than not at this time. Such deferred tax assets principally relate to tax net operating loss and credit carryforwards in certain state tax jurisdictions for which sufficient taxable income for utilization cannot be projected at this time, which may result in the net operating losses or credits or both potentially expiring without being utilized due to shorter carryforward periods. Management assesses the need for the valuation allowance on a quarterly basis. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers all positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and past financial performance. Management believes it is more likely than not the Company’s net federal deferred tax assets of approximately $5,299,000 as of December 31, 2012 will be realized, based upon its assessment of all available evidence, both positive and negative. The Company believes the weight of positive evidence, including recent cumulative income and income in the carryback period for federal tax purposes, as well as a potential tax-planning strategy and projected income in the future, overcomes the negative evidence of the operating loss in the fourth quarter of 2012 and an expected operating loss for the first quarter of 2013. During the fourth quarter of 2012, though, the Company recorded an increase to the valuation allowance of approximately $1,489,000 for all remaining state deferred tax assets not previously covered by a valuation allowance due to the following factors: (1) the Company cannot forecast sufficient future taxable income, of the appropriate nature, based on our quarterly assessment; (2) the Company does not have the ability to carryback state net operating losses or credits to utilize against state taxable income; and (3) state tax net operating losses and credits have a shorter carryforward period to be utilized than do the federal tax attributes. If and when management determines the valuation allowance should be released, the adjustment would result in a tax benefit in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and may include a portion to be accounted for through “Additional paid-in capital”, a component of Stockholders’ Equity. The amount of the tax benefit to be recorded in a particular quarter could be material.

Prior to September 30, 2010, the Company maintained a valuation allowance against a significant portion of its deferred tax assets, consisting of net operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards and deductible temporary differences. Based on the Company’s pre-tax income for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 being sufficient to fully utilize its net operating loss carryforwards, a history of cumulative earnings before taxes for financial reporting purposes over a 12-quarter period, and expected future taxable income, management determined it was more likely than not a significant portion of the deferred tax assets would be realized. As a result, at September 30, 2010, the Company determined that it was appropriate to reverse a portion of its valuation allowance by $5,158,000 as a discrete benefit for income taxes for certain deductible temporary differences expected to be realized in future periods. An additional benefit of $1,159,000 was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2010. Management could not make such a determination in the prior quarters of fiscal 2010 due to a lack of confidence in being able to accurately forecast the expected ordinary income (loss) for the year largely due to global economic conditions and the possible impact continued economic and business uncertainty would have on the Company’s business at those times.

For financial reporting purposes, income (loss) before income taxes for the years ended December 31 include the following components (in thousands):


	2012			2011		2010
Domestic	$	(3,109	)	$	13,406	$	28,973
Foreign		518			626		646

	$	(2,591	)	$	14,032	$	29,619

Significant components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in thousands):


	2012			2011		2010
Current:
Federal	$	920		$	3,624	$	1,187
State		425			496		958
Foreign		231			455		209

		1,576			4,575		2,354
Deferred:
Federal		(369	)		148		(6,274	)

	$	1,207		$	4,723	$	(3,920	)

The Company intends to continue to reinvest certain of its foreign earnings indefinitely. Accordingly, no U.S. income taxes have been provided for approximately $2,670,000 of unremitted earnings of international subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2012, the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability on these earnings was $212,000.

The reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31 is as follows:


	2012			2011			2010
Statutory federal tax rate		(34.0	%)		35.0	%		34.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		(9.4	)		3.4			2.7
Book income attributable to noncontrolling interest		6.8			(1.4	)		(0.3	)
U.S. manufacturing deduction		(3.8	)		(2.0	)		(0.9	)
Permanent items		2.2			0.5			0.2
Tax credits		0.6			(4.0	)		—
Increase in tax reserves		0.3			0.6			2.3
Foreign rate differential and deferred items		0.1			0.6			(1.0	)
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance		84.5			—			(49.7	)
Other		(0.7	)		1.0			(0.5	)

		46.6	%		33.7	%		(13.2	%)

On January 2, 2013 the American Taxpayer Relief Act (“ATRA”) of 2012 was signed into law. Under prior law, a taxpayer was entitled to a research tax credit for qualifying amounts paid or incurred on or before December 31, 2011. The ATRA extends the research credit for two years to December 31, 2013. The extension of the research tax credit is retroactive and includes amounts paid or incurred after December 31, 2011. The tax rate above reflects the tax law that was in place as of December 31, 2012. Had the ATRA been enacted prior to January 1, 2013, the Company’s overall tax benefit would have been approximately $549,000 higher and would have resulted in an overall effective rate of 25.4%. This $549,000 benefit will be recognized in the period of enactment, the first quarter of 2013, as a discrete event.

As a result of the difference in treatment of excess stock option deductions available for income tax return and financial statement reporting purposes, the Company has approximately $1,012,000 of federal research and development tax credit and $396,000 of federal alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards that may be offset against future taxable income, which are included in the components of deferred tax assets disclosed above. It is anticipated that when these tax attributes are realized on an income tax return in the future, the related benefit will be recorded against “Additional paid-in capital”. The research and development tax credit carryforwards expire beginning in 2013 for state purposes and in 2027 for federal purposes. The Company has net operating loss carryforwards in certain states, which expire beginning in 2010 and through 2021.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):


Balance on January 1, 2012	$	1,405
Additions based on tax provisions related to the current year		134
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(33	)

Balance on December 31, 2012	$	1,506

The Company has reviewed the tax positions taken, or to be taken, in its tax returns for all tax years currently open to examination by a taxing authority. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, that is the aggregate tax effect of differences between tax return positions and the benefits recognized in the Company’s financial statements, on December 31, 2012 of $1,506,000 including accrued interest, if recognized, may decrease the Company’s income tax provision and effective tax rate. None of the unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2012 are expected to significantly change during the next twelve months. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of December 31, 2012, the Company has accrued approximately $177,000 for the potential payment of interest and recorded approximately $32,000 of income tax expense for interest, net of related tax benefits, for the year ended December 31, 2012.

The Company files income tax returns in the United States and various foreign tax jurisdictions. These tax returns are generally open to examination by the relevant tax authorities from three to seven years from the date they are filed. The tax filings relating to the Company’s federal and state taxes are currently open to examination for tax years 2009 through 2011 and 2005 through 2011, respectively. In addition, the 2003, 2004 and 2007 tax years resulted in losses. These years may also be subject to examination since the losses were carried forward and utilized in future years. In January 2012, the Company received a notice from the State of New York that its New York corporate tax returns for the tax years 2008 through 2010 had been selected for audit. The state of New York audit was completed and settled in April 2012 for approximately $49,000. There are no other income tax audits currently in process.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

+ Details

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company leases certain of its office, warehousing and manufacturing space. The future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases with remaining terms in excess of one year are as follows (in thousands):


Year
2013	$	1,506
2014		1,106
2015		531
2016		126
2017 and thereafter		199

The future minimum rental commitments increased compared to last year as three of the Company’s subsidiaries renewed their lease arrangements during 2012 and the Company’s new entities in Shanghai, China and Bangalore, India entered into new lease arrangements during the fourth quarter of 2012. Rent expense was approximately $1,677,000, $1,592,000 and $1,492,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company also pays executory costs such as taxes, maintenance and insurance.

The Company also has a contract with a third-party to supply nitrogen for its manufacturing and research and development activities. Under the contract, the Company is obligated to pay a minimum of $300,000 annually, subject to semi-annual price adjustments, through March 2015.

In addition, approximately $1,328,000 of unrecognized tax benefits has been recorded as liabilities as the settlement amounts are uncertain. The Company has recorded a liability related to these unrecognized tax benefits for potential interest and penalties of approximately $177,000 as of December 31, 2012.

As disclosed in prior filings, on January 28, 2011, SynQor, Inc. (“SynQor”) filed a complaint for patent infringement against Ericsson, Inc. (“Ericsson”), Cisco Systems, Inc. (“Cisco”) and the Company in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (“the Texas Action”). This immediately followed a complaint filed by the Company on January 26, 2011, in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, in which the Company sought a declaratory judgment that its bus converter products do not infringe any valid claim of certain of SynQor’s U.S. patents, and that the claims of those patents are invalid. With respect to the Company, SynQor’s complaint alleges the Company’s products, including, but not limited to, unregulated bus converters used in intermediate bus architecture power supply systems, infringe certain SynQor patents. SynQor seeks, among other items, an injunction against further infringement and an award of unspecified compensatory and enhanced damages, interest, costs and attorney fees. On February 8, 2011, SynQor filed a motion for preliminary injunction seeking an order enjoining the Company from manufacturing, using, selling, and offering for sale in the United States and/or importing into the United States certain identified unregulated bus converters, as well as any other bus converters not significantly different from those products. On February 17, 2011, the Company withdrew its Massachusetts action without prejudice to allow the litigation to proceed in Texas. On May 16, 2011, SynQor announced it was withdrawing its motion for preliminary injunction against the Company. On September 16 2011, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued an order setting a trial date of July 7, 2014. On September 20, 2011, SynQor filed an Amended Complaint in the Texas Action. The Amended Complaint repeated the allegations of patent infringement against the Company contained in SynQor’s original complaint, and included additional patent infringement allegations with respect to U.S. Patent No. 8,023,290 (“ ‘290 patent”), which was issued on that day. As with SynQor’s original complaint, the amended complaint alleged that the Company’s products, including but not limited to the Company’s unregulated bus converters used in intermediate bus architecture power supply systems, infringed the asserted patents. On October 4, 2011, the Company filed an answer and counterclaims to SynQor’s amended complaint, in which the Company alleges the ‘290 patent is unenforceable because it was procured through inequitable conduct before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and seeks damages against SynQor for SynQor’s unfair and deceptive trade practices and tortious interference with prospective economic advantage in connection with SynQor’s allegations of patent infringement against the Company. The Company does not believe that any 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.

On February 22, 2007, the Company announced it had reached an agreement in principle with Ericsson, Inc., the U.S. affiliate of LM Ericsson, to settle a lawsuit brought by Ericsson against the Company in California state court. Under the terms of the settlement agreement entered into on March 29, 2007, after a court ordered mediation, the Company paid $50,000,000 to Ericsson, of which $12,800,000 was reimbursed by the Company’s insurance carriers. Accordingly, the Company recorded a net loss of $37,200,000 from the litigation–related settlements in the fourth quarter of 2006. The Company has been seeking further reimbursement from its insurance carriers. On November 14, 2008, a jury in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts found in favor of the Company in a lawsuit against certain of its insurance carriers with respect to the Ericsson settlement. The jury awarded $17,300,000 in damages to the Company, although the verdict was subject to challenge in the trial court and on appeal. Both parties filed certain motions subsequent to the ruling and, on March 2, 2009, the judge in the case rendered his decision on the subsequent motions, reducing the jury award by $4,000,000. On March 26, 2009, the U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts (“the Court”) issued its judgment in the matter, affirming the award of $13,300,000, plus prejudgment interest from the date of breach on March 29, 2007, through March 26, 2009, the date of judgment in the amount of approximately $3,179,000. The insurance carriers filed their appeal to this total judgment in the amount of approximately $16,479,000 and an oral argument was held in early February 2010 on the insurer’s appeal. On March 16, 2012, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit vacated the judgment in favor of the Company and remanded the case for proceedings consistent with the Court’s opinions. On October 3, 2012, a stipulation of dismissal with prejudice was filed with the Court, reflecting the contemporaneous settlement agreement between the Company and the insurance carriers in which the company received a cash payment of $1,975,000 in exchange for its release of the insurance carriers from future claims. The settlement amount of $1,975,000 was recorded as a gain from litigation–related settlement in the fourth quarter of 2012.

In addition, the Company is involved in certain other litigation and claims incidental to the conduct of its business. While the outcome of lawsuits and claims against the Company cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not expect any current litigation or claims to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

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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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Information [Abstract]

SEGMENT INFORMATION

15. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has organized its business segments according to its key product lines. The Brick Business Unit segment (“BBU”) designs, develops, manufactures and markets the Company’s modular power converters and configurable products, and also includes the operations of the Company’s Westcor division, the six entities comprising Vicor Custom Power, and the BBU operations of VJCL. The VI Chip segment includes VI Chip Corporation, which designs, develops, manufactures and markets the Company’s factorized power architecture (“FPA”) products. The VI Chip segment also includes the VI Chip business conducted through VJCL. The Picor segment includes Picor Corporation, which designs, develops, manufactures and markets integrated circuits and related products for use in a variety of power management and power system applications. Picor develops these products to be sold as part of Vicor’s products or to third parties for separate applications.

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

The following table provides significant segment financial data as of and for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):


	BBU		VI Chip			Picor			Corporate			Eliminations			Total
	(1)		(1)									(1)(2)
2012:
Net revenues	$	179,919	$	38,083		$	9,724		$	—		$	(9,219	)	$	218,507
Income (loss) from operations		28,114		(27,409	)		(2,786	)		(704	)		—			(2,785	)
Total assets		97,507		21,105			5,365			119,007			(40,403	)		202,581
Depreciation and amortization		4,958		3,568			414			1,483			—			10,423
2011:
Net revenues	$	194,830	$	55,154		$	13,183		$	—		$	(10,199	)	$	252,968
Income (loss) from operations		31,938		(16,294	)		(1,239	)		(719	)		—			13,686
Total assets		82,096		30,701			7,098			119,231			(30,985	)		208,141
Depreciation and amortization		5,503		3,570			458			1,474			—			11,005
2010:
Net revenues	$	217,018	$	33,842		$	11,061		$	—		$	(11,188	)	$	250,733
Income (loss) from operations		55,619		(24,565	)		(1,282	)		(640	)		(10	)		29,122
Total assets		78,014		31,278			7,463			103,486			(15,329	)		204,912
Depreciation and amortization		4,788		3,500			470			1,464			—			10,222

(1)

During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company completed a recapitalization of VI Chip. The impact of the recapitalization on VI Chip was to eliminate its intercompany payable to BBU of approximately $172,100,000 and institute capital accounts totaling $50,000,000 as of December 31, 2010. The impact on segment reporting was to reduce Total assets for BBU and increase Eliminations by $172,100,000 as of December 31, 2010. There was no impact on the consolidated financial statements as a result of this recapitalization.

(2)

The elimination for net revenues is principally related to inter-segment revenues of Picor to BBU and VI Chip and for inter-segment revenues of VI Chip to BBU. The elimination for total assets is principally related to inter-segment receivables due to BBU for the funding of VI Chip operations and for the purchase of equipment for both VI Chip and Picor.

During 2012, one customer accounted for approximately 10.1% of net revenues. During 2011, one customer accounted for approximately 14.9% of net revenues. During 2010, two customers accounted for approximately 12.3% and 11.5% of net revenues, respectively. International sales, as a percentage of total net revenues, were approximately 51.1% in 2012 and 56.9% in 2011 and 49.2% in 2010, respectively. During 2012, net revenues from customers in Hong Kong, China and Taiwan accounted for approximately 12.5% and 9.0%, respectively, of total net revenues (11.8% and 15.3%, respectively, in 2011, and 11.4% and 11.8%, respectively, in 2010).

- 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
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Subsequent Event

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

SUBSEQUENT EVENT

16. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

In February 2013, the Company initiated a workforce reduction. The Company will record a pre-tax charge in the first quarter of 2013 of approximately $1,300,000 for the cost of severance and other employee-related costs, based on each employee’s respective length of service.

Quarterly Result of Operations (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Quarterly Result Of Operations (Unaudited) [Abstract]

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

17. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31 (in thousands, except per share amounts):


	First		Second		Third		Fourth			Total
2012:
Net revenues	$	59,668	$	55,467	$	52,948	$	50,424		$	218,507
Gross margin		24,467		24,106		22,953		20,125			91,651
Consolidated net income (loss)		341		244		280		(4,663	)		(3,798	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		15		24		89		151			279
Net income (loss) attributable to
Vicor Corporation		326		220		191		(4,814	)		(4,077	)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Vicor Corporation:
Basic and diluted		0.01		0.01		—		(0.12	)		(0.10	)


	First		Second		Third		Fourth		Total
2011:
Net revenues	$	70,455	$	65,402	$	58,560	$	58,551	$	252,968
Gross margin		30,454		27,309		24,440		24,491		106,694
Consolidated net income		4,169		3,204		1,175		761		9,309
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		151		138		93		84		466
Net income attributable to Vicor Corporation		4,018		3,066		1,082		677		8,843
Net income per share attributable to Vicor Corporation:
Basic and diluted		0.10		0.07		0.03		0.02		0.21

In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company recorded the following adjustments:

•

An impairment of goodwill of $2,012,000 based on the Company’s annual assessment of the carrying value related to VJCL (See Note 9).

•

A gain from litigation-related settlement of $1,975,000 resulting from the contemporaneous settlement agreement between the Company and its insurance carriers (See Note 14).

•

An increase of $1,489,000 to the income tax valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets (See Note 13).

•

An increase of approximately $1,400,000 to inventory reserves for potential excess and obsolete inventory charged against cost of revenues.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

+ References + Details

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010


Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		(Credit) Charge to Costs and Expenses		Other Charges, Deductions (1)			Balance at End of Period
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Year ended:
December 31, 2012	$	266,000	$	37,000	$	(11,000	)	$	292,000
December 31, 2011		309,000		18,000		(61,000	)		266,000
December 31, 2010		260,000		57,000		(8,000	)		309,000

(1)	Reflects uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.


Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		(Credit) Charge to Costs and Expenses		Other Charges, Deductions (2)			Balance at End of Period
Inventory Reserves:
Year ended:
December 31, 2012	$	6,367,000	$	2,621,000	$	(1,339,000	)	$	7,649,000
December 31, 2011		5,444,000		1,650,000		(727,000	)		6,367,000
December 31, 2010		5,943,000		1,721,000		(2,220,000	)		5,444,000

(2)	Reflects amounts associated with inventory that have been discarded or sold.

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of consolidation

Principles of consolidation

Use of estimates

Use of estimates

Revenue recognition

Revenue recognition

Foreign currency translation

Foreign currency translation

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents

Long-term investments

Long-term investments

Fair value measurements

Fair value measurements


Level 1		Inputs used to measure fair value are unadjusted quoted prices available in active markets for the identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.

Level 2		Inputs used to measure fair value, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date through correlation with market data, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and quoted prices in inactive markets. Level 2 also includes assets and liabilities valued using models or other pricing methodologies that do not require significant judgment since the input assumptions used in the models, such as interest rates and volatility factors, are corroborated by readily observable data from actively quoted markets for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3		Inputs used to measure fair value are unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity and reflect the use of significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management’s estimates of market participant assumptions.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Inventories

Inventories

Concentrations of risk

Concentrations of risk

Long-lived assets

Long-lived assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Values assigned to patents are amortized using the straight-line method over periods ranging from three to twenty years.

Goodwill and other intangible assets are included in “Other assets” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Other investments

Other investments

The Company accounts for its investment in Great Wall Semiconductor Corporation (“GWS”) under the equity method of accounting.

Advertising expense

Advertising expense

The cost of advertising is expensed as incurred. The Company incurred $1,910,000, $1,645,000 and $2,378,000 in advertising costs during 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Product warranties

Product warranties

Net income (loss) per common share

Net income (loss) per common share


	2012			2011		2010
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Vicor Corporation	$	(4,077	)	$	8,843	$	33,325

Denominator:
Denominator for basic income (loss) per share-weighted average shares (1)		41,811			41,797		41,700
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options (2)		—			59		72

Denominator for diluted income (loss) per share — adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions (3)		41,811			41,856		41,772

Basic income (loss) per share	$	(0.10	)	$	0.21	$	0.80

Diluted income (loss) per share	$	(0.10	)	$	0.21	$	0.80

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

(2)

(3)	Denominator represents weighted average number of Common Shares and Class B Common Shares outstanding for the year, adjusted to include the dilutive effect, if any, of outstanding options.

Income taxes

Income taxes

Stock-based compensation

Stock-based compensation

Comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income (loss)

Impact of recently issued accounting standards

Impact of recently issued accounting standards

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share


	2012			2011		2010
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Vicor Corporation	$	(4,077	)	$	8,843	$	33,325

Denominator:
Denominator for basic income (loss) per share-weighted average shares (1)		41,811			41,797		41,700
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options (2)		—			59		72

Denominator for diluted income (loss) per share — adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions (3)		41,811			41,856		41,772

Basic income (loss) per share	$	(0.10	)	$	0.21	$	0.80

Diluted income (loss) per share	$	(0.10	)	$	0.21	$	0.80

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

(2)

(3)	Denominator represents weighted average number of Common Shares and Class B Common Shares outstanding for the year, adjusted to include the dilutive effect, if any, of outstanding options.

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

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

Fair value for the options

The fair value for the options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model under all methods with the following weighted-average assumptions:


	Non Performance- based Stock Options									Performance- based Stock Options (1)
Vicor:	2012			2011			2010			2010
Risk-free interest rate		0.7	%		1.8	%		2.3	%		2.0-2.7	%
Expected dividend yield		0.6	%		1.6	%		1.6	%		2.5	%
Expected volatility		52	%		54	%		54	%		55	%
Expected lives (years)		4.1			5.0			3.9			6.5-9.5

VI Chip:	2012			2011			2010			2010
Risk-free interest rate		1.2	%		1.5	%		2.7	%		2.7	%
Expected dividend yield		—			—			—			—
Expected volatility		50	%		49	%		49	%		49	%
Expected lives (years)		6.5			6.5			6.5			6.5

Picor:	2012			2011			2010
Risk-free interest rate		1.2	%		1.6	%		2.0	%
Expected dividend yield		—			—			—
Expected volatility		50	%		52	%		52	%
Expected lives (years)		6.5			6.5			6.5

(1)	There were no Vicor or VI Chip performance-based options granted in 2012, 2011 or prior to 2010.

Summary of the activity under the Vicor stock option plans

Stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31 was as follows (in thousands):


	2012		2011		2010
Cost of revenues	$	45	$	68	$	19
Selling, general and administrative		864		1,188		618
Research and development		335		667		234

Total stock based compensation	$	1,244	$	1,923	$	871

Vicor Plan [Member]

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

Summary of the activity under the Vicor stock option plans


	Options Outstanding			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding on December 31, 2011		1,755,815			13.45
Granted		143,142			6.35
Forfeited and expired		(101,902	)		11.56
Exercised		(580	)		6.18

Outstanding on December 31, 2012		1,796,475			12.99		6.88	$	1

Exercisable on December 31, 2012		255,694			12.79		3.78	$	—

Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2012 (1)		1,146,572			12.71		6.50	$	1

(1)	In addition to the vested options, the Company expects a portion of the unvested options to vest at some point in the future. Options expected to vest is calculated by applying an estimated forfeiture rate to the unvested options.

Picor Plan [Member]

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

Summary of the activity under the Vicor stock option plans

A summary of the activity under the 2001 Picor Plan as of December 31, 2012 and changes during the year then ended, is presented below (in thousands except for share and weighted-average data):


	Options Outstanding			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding on December 31, 2011		9,979,983			0.62
Granted		1,015,344			0.64
Forfeited and expired		(90,000	)		0.57
Exercised		(689,960	)		0.25

Outstanding on December 31, 2012		10,215,367			0.65		6.39	$	497

Exercisable on December 31, 2012		5,329,950			0.69		4.72	$	281

Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2012 (1)		9,993,801			0.65		6.35	$	488

(1)	In addition to the vested options, the Company expects a portion of the unvested options to vest at some point in the future. Options expected to vest is calculated by applying an estimated forfeiture rate to the unvested options.

VI Chip Plan [Member]

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

Summary of the activity under the Vicor stock option plans

A summary of the activity under the 2007 VI Chip Plan as of December 31, 2012 and changes during the year then ended, is presented below (in thousands except for share and weighted-average data):


	Options Outstanding			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding on December 31, 2011		10,514,750			1.00
Granted		202,500			1.01
Forfeited and expired		(186,650	)		1.01
Exercised		(5,600	)		1.00

Outstanding on December 31, 2012 (2)		10,525,000			1.00		5.59	$	—

Exercisable on December 31, 2012		7,304,100			1.00		4.49	$	—

Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2012 (1)		9,922,127			1.00		5.43	$	—

(1)	In addition to the vested options, the Company expects a portion of the unvested options to vest at some point in the future. Options expected to vest is calculated by applying an estimated forfeiture rate to the unvested options.

(2)	Of the total VI Chip options outstanding on December 31, 2012, 5,500,000 options have been granted to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

Long-Term Investments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Long-Term Investments [Abstract]

Summary of available-for-sale securities

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


December 31, 2012	Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Failed Auction Securities	$	6,100	$	—	$	1,121	$	4,979
Brokered certificates of deposit		1,280		12		—		1,292
Certificates of deposit		465		—		—		465

	$	7,845	$	12	$	1,121	$	6,736


December 31, 2011	Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Failed Auction Securities	$	9,100	$	—	$	1,628	$	7,472
Brokered certificates of deposit		1,640		8		—		1,648
Certificates of deposit		465		—		—		465

	$	11,205	$	8	$	1,628	$	9,585

Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities on December 31, 2012, by contractual maturities, are shown below (in thousands):


	Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	925	$	928
Due in two to ten years		820		829
Due in ten to twenty years		—		—
Due in twenty to forty years		6,100		4,979

	$	7,845	$	6,736

Roll forward of credit loss recognized in earnings on available-for-sale auction rate securities


	2012		2011			2010
Balance at the beginning of the period	$	308	$	610		$	464
Reductions for securities sold during the period		—		(373	)		(18	)
Additions for the amount related to credit loss for which other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized		9		71			164

Balance at the end of the period	$	317	$	308		$	610

- 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

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 320
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957658&loc=d3e62557-112803

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27337-111563

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27198-111563

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 320
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957658&loc=d3e62586-112803

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27161-111563

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27357-111563

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27290-111563

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 19, 20, 21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-1
-Paragraph 21
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the amount of other than temporary impairment (OTTI) related to credit losses recognized in earnings including: (a) the beginning balance of the amount related to credit losses on debt securities held by the investor at the beginning of the period for which a portion of an OTTI was recognized in other comprehensive income; (b) additions for the amount related to the credit loss for which an OTTI was not previously recognized; (c) reductions for securities sold during the period (realized); (d) reductions for securities for which the amount previously recognized in other comprehensive income was recognized in earnings because the investor intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; (e) additional increases to the amount related to the credit loss for which an OTTI was previously recognized when the investor does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the investor will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; (f) reductions for increases in cash flows expected to be collected that are recognized over the remaining life of the security; and (g) the ending balance of the amount related to credit losses on debt securities held by the entity at the end of the period for which a portion of an OTTI was recognized in other comprehensive income.

+ References + Details

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the following as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands):


	Using						Total Fair Value as of December 31, 2012
	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, 2012
Cash Equivalents:
Money market funds	$	12,413	$	—	$	—	$	12,413
Long-term investments:
Failed Auction Securities		—		—		4,979		4,979
Brokered certificates of deposit		—		1,292		—		1,292
Certificates of deposit		465		—		—		465

Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements

Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements as of December 31, 2012 are as follows (dollars in thousands):


	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
Failed Auction Securities	$	4,979	Discounted cash flow	Cumulative probability of earning the maximum rate until maturity	0.01% - 0.11% (0.06%)
				Cumulative probability of principal return prior to maturity	83.74% - 94.61% (89.09%)
				Cumulative probability of default	5.38% - 16.15% (10.85%)
				Liquidity risk premium	5.00% - 5.00% (5.00%)
				Recovery rate in default	40.00% - 40.00% (40.00%)

Change in the estimated fair values calculated for those assets valued on a recurring basis utilizing Level 3 inputs

The following table summarizes the change in the fair values for those assets valued on a recurring basis utilizing Level 3 inputs for the year ended December 31, 2012 (in thousands):


Balance at the beginning of the period	$	7,472
Redemptions		(3,000	)
Credit losses on available for sales securities included in Other income, net		(9	)
Unrealized gain included in Other comprehensive (loss) income		516

Balance at the end of the period	$	4,979

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of assets, including [financial] instruments measured at fair value that are classified in stockholders' equity, if any, by class that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The disclosures contemplated herein include the fair value measurements at the reporting date by the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

+ References + Details

Inventories (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Inventories [Abstract]

Inventories

Inventories as of December 31 were as follows (in thousands):


	2012			2011
Raw materials	$	28,362		$	32,213
Work-in-process		2,707			3,524
Finished goods		6,535			6,382

		37,604			42,119
Inventory reserves		(7,649	)		(6,367	)

Net balance	$	29,955		$	35,752

Property, Plant And Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment as of December 31 were as follows (in thousands):


	2012			2011
Land	$	2,089		$	2,089
Buildings and improvements		42,647			42,540
Machinery and equipment		218,381			213,531
Furniture and fixtures		5,964			5,895
Construction in-progress and deposits		2,465			1,124

		271,546			265,179
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(227,454	)		(217,938	)

Net balance	$	44,092		$	47,241

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Patents [Member]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Schedule of Patent cost and other asset

Patent costs, which are included in other assets in the accompanying balance sheets, as of December 31 were as follows (in thousands):


	2012			2011
Patent costs	$	3,316		$	3,353
Accumulated amortization		(1,984	)		(1,877	)

	$	1,332		$	1,476

GWS Intangible [Member]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Schedule of Patent cost and other asset


	2012			2011
GWS intangible assets	$	500		$	500
Accumulated amortization		(437	)		(312	)

	$	63		$	188

Product Warranties (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Product Warranties [Abstract]

Product warranty activity

Product warranty activity for the years ended December 31 was as follows (in thousands):


	2012			2011			2010
Balance at the beginning of the period	$	572		$	649		$	772
Accruals for warranties for products sold in the period		439			1,392			573
Fulfillment of warranty obligations		(554	)		(1,134	)		(548	)
Revisions of estimated obligations		(93	)		(335	)		(148	)

Balance at the end of the period	$	364		$	572		$	649

Other Income, Net (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Other Income, Net [Abstract]

Components of the other income

The major changes in the components of the other income, net for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands):


	2012			2011			2010
Interest income	$	136		$	259		$	442
Foreign currency (losses) gains, net		(46	)		(326	)		(158	)
Gain on disposal of equipment		33			21			249
Credit gains (losses) on available for sale securities		(9	)		302			(146	)
Unrealized gain on trading securities		—			—			970
Unrealized loss on auction rate securities rights		—			—			(962	)
Other		80			90			102

	$	194		$	346		$	497

Income Taxes (Table)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Schedule of Significant components of net deferred tax liability


	2012			2011
Deferred tax assets:
Research and development tax credit carryforwards	$	9,032		$	8,707
Inventory reserves		2,651			2,255
Stock-based compensation		2,218			1,830
Vacation accrual		1,569			1,543
Investment tax credit carryforwards		1,335			1,381
Net operating loss carryforwards		1,088			1,201
Capital loss carryforward		680			700
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward		556			556
Deferred revenue		555			635
Unrealized loss on investments		380			568
Bad debt reserves		99			92
Warranty reserves		90			144
Other		694			855

Total deferred tax assets		20,947			20,467
Less: Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		(11,480	)		(9,736	)

Net deferred tax assets		9,467			10,731
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation		(2,261	)		(3,251	)
Prepaid expenses		(733	)		(660	)
Patent amortization		(477	)		(544	)
Unremitted Vicor Custom earnings		(342	)		(337	)
Goodwill		—			(628	)
Other		(355	)		(593	)

Total deferred tax liabilities		(4,168	)		(6,013	)

Net deferred tax assets	$	5,299		$	4,718

Schedule of domestic and foreign components of pretax income

For financial reporting purposes, income (loss) before income taxes for the years ended December 31 include the following components (in thousands):


	2012			2011		2010
Domestic	$	(3,109	)	$	13,406	$	28,973
Foreign		518			626		646

	$	(2,591	)	$	14,032	$	29,619

Schedule of components of provision for income taxes

Significant components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in thousands):


	2012			2011		2010
Current:
Federal	$	920		$	3,624	$	1,187
State		425			496		958
Foreign		231			455		209

		1,576			4,575		2,354
Deferred:
Federal		(369	)		148		(6,274	)

	$	1,207		$	4,723	$	(3,920	)

Schedule of reconciliation of statutory and effective income tax rate

The reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31 is as follows:


	2012			2011			2010
Statutory federal tax rate		(34.0	%)		35.0	%		34.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		(9.4	)		3.4			2.7
Book income attributable to noncontrolling interest		6.8			(1.4	)		(0.3	)
U.S. manufacturing deduction		(3.8	)		(2.0	)		(0.9	)
Permanent items		2.2			0.5			0.2
Tax credits		0.6			(4.0	)		—
Increase in tax reserves		0.3			0.6			2.3
Foreign rate differential and deferred items		0.1			0.6			(1.0	)
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance		84.5			—			(49.7	)
Other		(0.7	)		1.0			(0.5	)

		46.6	%		33.7	%		(13.2	%)

Schedule of reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):


Balance on January 1, 2012	$	1,405
Additions based on tax provisions related to the current year		134
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(33	)

Balance on December 31, 2012	$	1,506

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Summary of future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases


Year
2013	$	1,506
2014		1,106
2015		531
2016		126
2017 and thereafter		199

Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Information [Abstract]

Significant of Segment financial data

The following table provides significant segment financial data as of and for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):


	BBU		VI Chip			Picor			Corporate			Eliminations			Total
	(1)		(1)									(1)(2)
2012:
Net revenues	$	179,919	$	38,083		$	9,724		$	—		$	(9,219	)	$	218,507
Income (loss) from operations		28,114		(27,409	)		(2,786	)		(704	)		—			(2,785	)
Total assets		97,507		21,105			5,365			119,007			(40,403	)		202,581
Depreciation and amortization		4,958		3,568			414			1,483			—			10,423
2011:
Net revenues	$	194,830	$	55,154		$	13,183		$	—		$	(10,199	)	$	252,968
Income (loss) from operations		31,938		(16,294	)		(1,239	)		(719	)		—			13,686
Total assets		82,096		30,701			7,098			119,231			(30,985	)		208,141
Depreciation and amortization		5,503		3,570			458			1,474			—			11,005
2010:
Net revenues	$	217,018	$	33,842		$	11,061		$	—		$	(11,188	)	$	250,733
Income (loss) from operations		55,619		(24,565	)		(1,282	)		(640	)		(10	)		29,122
Total assets		78,014		31,278			7,463			103,486			(15,329	)		204,912
Depreciation and amortization		4,788		3,500			470			1,464			—			10,222

(1)

(2)

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

+ References + Details

Quarterly Result of Operations (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Quarterly Result Of Operations (Unaudited) [Abstract]

Summary of the unaudited quarterly financial data

The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31 (in thousands, except per share amounts):


	First		Second		Third		Fourth			Total
2012:
Net revenues	$	59,668	$	55,467	$	52,948	$	50,424		$	218,507
Gross margin		24,467		24,106		22,953		20,125			91,651
Consolidated net income (loss)		341		244		280		(4,663	)		(3,798	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		15		24		89		151			279
Net income (loss) attributable to
Vicor Corporation		326		220		191		(4,814	)		(4,077	)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Vicor Corporation:
Basic and diluted		0.01		0.01		—		(0.12	)		(0.10	)


	First		Second		Third		Fourth		Total
2011:
Net revenues	$	70,455	$	65,402	$	58,560	$	58,551	$	252,968
Gross margin		30,454		27,309		24,440		24,491		106,694
Consolidated net income		4,169		3,204		1,175		761		9,309
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		151		138		93		84		466
Net income attributable to Vicor Corporation		4,018		3,066		1,082		677		8,843
Net income per share attributable to Vicor Corporation:
Basic and diluted		0.10		0.07		0.03		0.02		0.21

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Vicor Corporation	$ (4,814)	$ 191	$ 220	$ 326	$ 677	$ 1,082	$ 3,066	$ 4,018	$ (4,077)	$ 8,843	$ 33,325
Denominator:
Denominator for basic income (loss) per share-weighted average shares (1)									41,811	41,797	41,700
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options										59	72
Denominator for diluted income (loss) per share adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions (3)									41,811	41,856	41,772
Computation of basic and diluted income per share
Basic income (loss) per share									$ (0.10)	$ 0.21	$ 0.80
Diluted income (loss) per share									$ (0.10)	$ 0.21	$ 0.80

Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Customers shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) Customers shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) shares
Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Revenue recognized under multi-element	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Gross deferred revenue	$ 625,000	$ 176,000
Gross Deferred Revenue	784,000	1,194,000
Gross deferred cost of revenue	249,000	72,000
Foreign currency gains (losses) in other income	$ (46,000)	$ (326,000)	$ (158,000)
Maturity period of cash and cash equivalents	less than three months
Unrealized gain loss on securities	$ 0
Product warranty period	2 years
Recognition period of non performance based stock options	5 years
Auction Rate Securities	$ 6,100,000
Trade Account Receivables		15.40%
Number of customers accounted for trade account receivable \| Customers	2	1
Cost of Advertising	$ 1,910,000	$ 1,645,000	$ 2,378,000
Options to purchase shares of Common Stock not included in the computation of diluted income per share \| shares	545,345	305,268	345,998
Percentage likelihood of tax benefit settlement	50.00%
Maximum [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of intangible assets	20 years
Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Estimated useful life of intangible assets	20 years
Minimum [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of intangible assets	3 years
Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Estimated useful life of intangible assets	3 years
Customer One [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of trade account receivable	12.70%
Customer Two [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of trade account receivable	10.60%

Stock-Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Stock-based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation	$ 1,244	$ 1,923	$ 871
Cost of revenues [Member]
Stock-based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation	45	68	19
Selling, general and administrative [Member]
Stock-based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation	864	1,188	618
Research and development [Member]
Stock-based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation	$ 335	$ 667	$ 234

- Definition

Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.

+ References + Details

Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Vicor [Member] \| Non Performance Based Stock Option [Member]
Fair value for the options
Risk-free interest rate	0.70%	1.80%	2.30%
Expected dividend yield	0.60%	1.60%	1.60%
Expected volatility	52.00%	54.00%	54.00%
Expected lives (years)	4 years 1 month 6 days	5 years	3 years 10 months 24 days
Vicor [Member] \| Performance Based Stock Option [Member]
Fair value for the options
Expected dividend yield			2.50%
Expected volatility			55.00%
Vicor [Member] \| Performance Based Stock Option [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Fair value for the options
Risk-free interest rate Maximum			2.70%
Expected lives (years)			9 years 6 months
Vicor [Member] \| Performance Based Stock Option [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Fair value for the options
Risk-free interest rate Minimum			2.00%
Expected lives (years)			6 years 6 months
Picor [Member] \| Non Performance Based Stock Option [Member]
Fair value for the options
Risk-free interest rate	1.20%	1.60%	2.00%
Expected dividend yield
Expected volatility	50.00%	52.00%	52.00%
Expected lives (years)	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months
VI Chip [Member] \| Non Performance Based Stock Option [Member]
Fair value for the options
Risk-free interest rate	1.20%	1.50%	2.70%
Expected dividend yield
Expected volatility	50.00%	49.00%	49.00%
Expected lives (years)	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months
VI Chip [Member] \| Performance Based Stock Option [Member]
Fair value for the options
Risk-free interest rate			2.70%
Expected dividend yield
Expected volatility			49.00%
Expected lives (years)			6 years 6 months

Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of stock based compensation, stock options, activity
Options outstanding, beginning balance		2,984,250
Options outstanding, Exercised	(580)
Options outstanding, ending balance			2,984,250
Options Outstanding, Exercisable			4,213,640
Vicor [Member]
Schedule of stock based compensation, stock options, activity
Options outstanding, beginning balance	1,755,815
Options outstanding, granted	143,142
Options outstanding, Forfeited and expired	(101,902)
Options outstanding, Exercised	(580)
Options outstanding, ending balance	1,796,475	1,755,815
Options Outstanding, Exercisable	255,694
Options Outstanding, Vested or expected to vest	1,146,572
Outstanding beginning balance, weighted average exercise price	$ 13.45
Granted, weighted average exercise price	6.35
Forfeited and expired, weighted average exercise price	11.56
Exercised, weighted average exercise price	6.18
Outstanding ending balance, weighted average exercise price	12.99	$ 13.45
Exercisable, Weighted average exercise price	12.79
Vested or expected to vest, Weighted average exercise price	$ 12.71
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life in years	6 years 10 months 17 days
Exercisable, Weighted-average remaining contractual life	3 years 9 months 11 days
Vested or expected to vest, Weighted average remaining contractual life in years	6 years 6 months
Outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 1
Exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value
Vested or expected to vest, Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 1
Picor [Member]
Schedule of stock based compensation, stock options, activity
Options outstanding, beginning balance	9,979,983
Options outstanding, granted	1,015,344
Options outstanding, Forfeited and expired	(90,000)
Options outstanding, Exercised	(689,960)
Options outstanding, ending balance	10,215,367	9,979,983
Options Outstanding, Exercisable	5,329,950
Options Outstanding, Vested or expected to vest	9,993,801
Outstanding beginning balance, weighted average exercise price	$ 0.62
Granted, weighted average exercise price	0.64
Forfeited and expired, weighted average exercise price	0.57
Exercised, weighted average exercise price	0.25
Outstanding ending balance, weighted average exercise price	0.65	$ 0.62
Exercisable, Weighted average exercise price	0.69
Vested or expected to vest, Weighted average exercise price	$ 0.65
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life in years	6 years 4 months 21 days
Exercisable, Weighted-average remaining contractual life	4 years 8 months 19 days
Vested or expected to vest, Weighted average remaining contractual life in years	6 years 4 months 6 days
Outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 497
Exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value	281
Vested or expected to vest, Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 488
VI Chip [Member]
Schedule of stock based compensation, stock options, activity
Options outstanding, beginning balance	10,514,750
Options outstanding, granted	202,500
Options outstanding, Forfeited and expired	(186,650)
Options outstanding, Exercised	(5,600)
Options outstanding, ending balance	10,525,000	10,514,750
Options Outstanding, Exercisable	7,304,100
Options Outstanding, Vested or expected to vest	9,922,127
Outstanding beginning balance, weighted average exercise price	$ 1.00
Granted, weighted average exercise price	1.01
Forfeited and expired, weighted average exercise price	1.01
Exercised, weighted average exercise price	1.00
Outstanding ending balance, weighted average exercise price	1.00	$ 1.00
Exercisable, Weighted average exercise price	1.00
Vested or expected to vest, Weighted average exercise price	$ 1.00
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life in years	5 years 7 months 2 days
Exercisable, Weighted-average remaining contractual life	4 years 5 months 27 days
Vested or expected to vest, Weighted average remaining contractual life in years	5 years 5 months 5 days
Outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value
Exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value
Vested or expected to vest, Aggregate intrinsic value

Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2000	Sep. 30, 2010
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2000 Plan		8,541,000	8,541,000
Non-qualified stock options granted under VI Chip Plan 2007				2,984,250		1,243,750
Accrued repurchase of shares	$ 20,000,000				$ 30,000,000
Selling, general and administrative expense and Research and development expense		$ 55,655,000	$ 54,041,000	$ 49,417,000
Additional stock-based compensation expense		1,244,000	1,923,000	$ 871,000
Accrued repurchase remaining value		$ 106,000	106,000
Shares exercisable				4,213,640
Employee's compensation plan		The Company matches employee contributions to the plan at a rate of 50% up to the first 3% of an employee’s compensation.
Additional paid-in-capital		$ (87,000)
Employee contributions		20.00%
Company contribution to the plan		$ 813,000	$ 810,000	$ 760,000
Picor [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program		1,142,000	1,142,000
Accrued repurchase of shares		$ 368,000	$ 368,000
Additional paid-in-capital		$ 67,000
Maturity period of US Treasury Bond		7 years
VI Chip [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Maturity period of US Treasury Bond		7 years
Vicor Stock Options [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2000 Plan		14,858,194
Unrecognized compensation cost related to performance-based stock options		$ 663,000
Annual forfeiture rate		9.00%	9.00%
Weighted average exercise prices			$ 12.00	$ 15.89
Shares exercisable			232,078	359,264
Total Intrinsic value		$ 2,000	$ 217,000	$ 723,000
Options Exercised		4,000
Fair value of stock options that vested		449,000	$ 411,000	$ 422,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost		$ 663,000
Compensation cost recognized over a weighted-average period		1 year 8 months 9 days
Expected recognized expenses, Year One		$ 361,000
Expected recognized expenses, Year Two		178,000
Expected recognized expenses, Year Three		89,000
Expected recognized expenses, Year Four		29,000
Expected recognized expenses, Year Five		$ 6,000
weighted-average contractual life		6 years 10 months 24 days
vicor options actually vest Forfeiture		76.00%
Vicor options actually vest			76.00%
Picor Stock Options [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to performance-based stock options		$ 1,212,000
Annual forfeiture rate		2.75%	2.75%
Weighted average exercise prices			$ 0.64	$ 0.56
Shares exercisable			4,684,585
Total Intrinsic value		$ 279,000	$ 262,000
Options Exercised		172,000	5,000
Fair value of stock options that vested		61,000	$ 357,000	$ 68,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost		$ 1,212,000
Compensation cost recognized over a weighted-average period		3 years 2 months 12 days
Expected recognized expenses, Year One		$ 417,000
Expected recognized expenses, Year Two		374,000
Expected recognized expenses, Year Three		306,000
Expected recognized expenses, Year Four		88,000
Expected recognized expenses, Year Five		$ 27,000
weighted-average fair value		$ 0.32	$ 0.32
weighted-average contractual life		6 years 4 months 24 days
Picor options actually vest Forfeiture		92.00%
Picor options actually vest			92.00%
Vi Chip Stock Options [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Annual forfeiture rate		7.00%	7.00%
Options Exercised		$ 6,000	$ 0	$ 0
Vi Chip Stock Options [Member] \| Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Granted, shares		5,500,000
Vi Chip Plan Options [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to performance-based stock options		$ 1,025,000
Shares exercisable			5,869,100	4,436,200
Total unrecognized compensation cost		$ 1,025,000
Compensation cost recognized over a weighted-average period		3 years 1 month 6 days
Expected recognized expenses, Year One		$ 272,000
Expected recognized expenses, Year Two		252,000
Expected recognized expenses, Year Three		252,000
Expected recognized expenses, Year Four		242,000
Expected recognized expenses, Year Five		$ 7,000
weighted-average fair value		$ 0.46	$ 0.53
weighted-average contractual life		5 years 7 months 6 days
Chip options actually vest		81.00%
Chip options actually vest Forfeiture			81.00%
Performance Based Stock Options [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to performance-based stock options		$ 7,790,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost		$ 7,790,000
Performance Based Stock Options [Member] \| Vicor [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Granted, shares		0	0
Performance Based Stock Options [Member] \| VI Chip [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Granted, shares				0
Vicor Corporation Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, with performance-based vesting provisions [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to performance-based stock options		$ 7,790,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost		7,790,000
Vi Chip 2007 Stock Option and Incentive Plan with performance-based vesting provisions [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to performance-based stock options		953,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost		$ 953,000
Maximum [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Employees pre-tax salary		80.00%
Option generally vested period		10 years
Minimum [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Employees pre-tax salary		1.00%
Option generally vested period		5 years
Vicor Plan [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Non-qualified stock options granted to non-employees		85.00%	85.00%
weighted-average fair value		$ 2.47	$ 5.79	$ 4.78
Vicor Nineteen Ninety Eight Plan [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Common Stock purchase by non-employees		2,000,000	2,000,000
Two Thousand One Picor Plan [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2000 Plan		80,000,000	80,000,000
Two Thousand Seven Vi Chip Plan [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2000 Plan		100,000,000	100,000,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to performance-based stock options		$ 882,000	$ 1,199,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost		$ 882,000	$ 1,199,000
Granted, shares		2,984,250	2,984,250
Vicor Two Thousand Plan [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2000 Plan		4,000,000	4,000,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to performance-based stock options		$ 7,790,000	$ 7,790,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost		$ 7,790,000	7,790,000
Granted, shares		1,243,750
Stock Bonus Plan [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Common Stock purchase by non-employees		109,964
Selling, general and administrative [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Additional stock-based compensation expense		$ 864,000	1,188,000	$ 618,000
Selling, general and administrative [Member] \| Picor [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Additional stock-based compensation expense		169,000
Research and development [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Additional stock-based compensation expense		$ 335,000	667,000	$ 234,000
Research and development [Member] \| Picor Plan [Member]
Stock Based Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Additional stock-based compensation expense			$ 132,000

Long-Term Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of available-for-sale securities
Cost	$ 7,845	$ 11,205
Gross Unrealized Gains	12	8
Gross Unrealized Losses	1,121	1,628
Estimated Fair Value	6,736	9,585
Failed Auction Securities [Member]
Summary of available-for-sale securities
Cost	6,100	9,100
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses	1,121	1,628
Estimated Fair Value	4,979	7,472
Brokered certificates of deposit [Member]
Summary of available-for-sale securities
Cost	1,280	1,640
Gross Unrealized Gains	12	8
Gross Unrealized Losses
Estimated Fair Value	1,292	1,648
Certificates of deposit [Member]
Summary of available-for-sale securities
Cost	465	465
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Estimated Fair Value	$ 465	$ 465

- Definition

This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents Available-for-sale Securities which consist of all investments in certain debt and equity securities neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt. An entity may opt to provide the reader with additional narrative text to better understand the nature of investments in debt and equity securities which are categorized as Available-for-sale.

+ References + Details

Long-Term Investments (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities
Due in one year or less, Cost	$ 925
Due in one year or less, Estimated Fair Value	928
Due in two to ten years, Cost	820
Due in two to ten years, Estimated Fair Value	829
Due in ten to twenty years, Cost
Due in ten to twenty years, Estimated Fair Value
Due in twenty to forty years, Cost	6,100
Due in twenty to forty years, Estimated Fair Value	4,979
Total Cost	7,845
Estimated Fair Value	$ 6,736	$ 9,585

Long-Term Investments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Long-Term Investments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Roll forward of credit loss recognized in earnings on available-for-sale auction rate securities
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 308	$ 610	$ 464
Reductions for securities sold during the period		(373)	(18)
Additions (reductions) for the amount related to credit (gain) loss for which other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized	9	71	164
Balance at the end of the period	$ 317	$ 308	$ 610

Long-Term Investments (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Long-Term Investments (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Long-Term Investments (Textual) [Abstract]
Auction rate securities, Par Value	$ 7,845,000	$ 11,205,000
Fair value of Failed Auction Securities	6,736,000	9,585,000
Gross unrealized losses	1,121,000	1,628,000
Aggregate credit loss	317,000	308,000	$ 610,000	$ 464,000
Failed Auction Securities [Member]
Long-Term Investments (Textual) [Abstract]
Auction rate securities, Par Value	$ 6,100,000	9,100,000
Period for which Failed Auction Securities been in unrealized loss position	exceeds 12 months
Fair value of Failed Auction Securities	$ 4,979,000	7,472,000
Increase in fair value	507,000
Redemption, net	3,000,000
Gross unrealized losses	1,121,000	$ 1,628,000
Aggregate credit loss	317,000
Aggregate temporary impairment loss	804,000
Increased aggregate credit (losses) gains on Failed Auction Securities	$ 9,000
Maximum [Member] \| Failed Auction Securities [Member]
Long-Term Investments (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rates auction time	28 days
Minimum [Member] \| Failed Auction Securities [Member]
Long-Term Investments (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rates auction time	7 days

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Estimated Fair Value	$ 6,736	$ 9,585
Failed Auction Securities [Member]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Estimated Fair Value	4,979	7,472
Brokered certificates of deposit [Member]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Estimated Fair Value	1,292	1,648
Certificates of deposit [Member]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Estimated Fair Value	465	$ 465
Money market funds [Member]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Cash Equivalents	12,413
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] \| Certificates of deposit [Member]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Estimated Fair Value	465
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] \| Money market funds [Member]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Cash Equivalents	12,413
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Brokered certificates of deposit [Member]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Estimated Fair Value	1,292
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Failed Auction Securities [Member]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Estimated Fair Value	$ 4,979

Fair Value Measurements (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements
Estimated Fair Value	$ 6,736	$ 9,585
Failed Auction Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements
Estimated Fair Value	$ 4,979
Valuation Technique	Discounted cash flow
Failed Auction Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Cumulative probability of earning the maximum rate until maturity [Member]
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements
Unobservable Input	Cumulative probability of earning the maximum rate until maturity
Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.06%
Failed Auction Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Cumulative probability of principal return prior to maturity [Member]
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements
Unobservable Input	Cumulative probability of principal return prior to maturity
Weighted Average Interest Rate	89.09%
Failed Auction Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Cumulative probability of default [Member]
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements
Unobservable Input	Cumulative probability of default
Weighted Average Interest Rate	10.85%
Failed Auction Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Liquidity risk premium [Member]
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements
Unobservable Input	Liquidity risk premium
Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.00%
Failed Auction Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Recovery rate in default [Member]
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements
Unobservable Input	Recovery rate in default
Weighted Average Interest Rate	40.00%
Failed Auction Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Cumulative probability of earning the maximum rate until maturity [Member]
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements
Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.11%
Failed Auction Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Cumulative probability of principal return prior to maturity [Member]
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements
Weighted Average Interest Rate	94.61%
Failed Auction Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Cumulative probability of default [Member]
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements
Weighted Average Interest Rate	16.15%
Failed Auction Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Liquidity risk premium [Member]
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements
Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.00%
Failed Auction Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Recovery rate in default [Member]
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements
Weighted Average Interest Rate	40.00%
Failed Auction Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Cumulative probability of earning the maximum rate until maturity [Member]
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements
Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.01%
Failed Auction Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Cumulative probability of principal return prior to maturity [Member]
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements
Weighted Average Interest Rate	83.74%
Failed Auction Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Cumulative probability of default [Member]
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements
Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.38%
Failed Auction Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Liquidity risk premium [Member]
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements
Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.00%
Failed Auction Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Recovery rate in default [Member]
Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements
Weighted Average Interest Rate	40.00%

Fair Value Measurements (Details 2) - Recurring [Member] - Level 3 [Member] - Failed Auction Securities [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Change in the estimated fair values calculated for those assets valued on a recurring basis utilizing Level 3 inputs
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 7,472
Redemptions	(3,000)
Credit losses on available for sale securities included in Other income, net	(9)
Unrealized gain included in Other comprehensive (loss) income	516
Balance at the end of the period	$ 4,979

Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Percent of credit loss	5.20%
Rate of return required	5.00%
Estimated timeframe for auctions of securities minimum	3 years
Estimated timeframe for auctions of securities maximum	5 years
Percentage of liquidity risk premium	5.00%
Increase or decrease in the liquidity risk premium	1.00%
Increase or decrease, respectively, the fair value of the Failed Auction Securities	$ 300,000

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Inventories
Raw materials	$ 28,362	$ 32,213
Work-in-process	2,707	3,524
Finished goods	6,535	6,382
Inventory, gross	37,604	42,119
Inventory reserves	(7,649)	(6,367)
Net balance	$ 29,955	$ 35,752

- Definition

The amount of the valuation account as of the balance sheet date which reduces the carrying amount of inventory to net realizable value; takes into consideration such factors as market value, excessive quantities based on expected sales, technological obsolescence, and shrinkage. May also provide for estimated product returns or price concessions pertaining to product cost.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 330
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.BB)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6386940&loc=d3e100047-122729

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.6(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-09)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e24092-122690

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 330
-SubTopic 10
-Section 35
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6386567&loc=d3e3927-108312

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Paragraph 14
-Chapter 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Paragraph 8, 9, 14
-Chapter 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Section A
-Paragraph 9
-Chapter 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 09
-Article 12

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph a
-Article 5

+ Details

Property, Plant And Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, plant and equipment
Land	$ 2,089	$ 2,089
Buildings and improvements	42,647	42,540
Machinery and equipment	218,381	213,531
Furniture and fixtures	5,964	5,895
Construction in-progress and deposits	2,465	1,124
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	271,546	265,179
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(227,454)	(217,938)
Net balance	$ 44,092	$ 47,241

- Definition

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

+ References + Details

Property, Plant And Equipment (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Property, Plant And Equipment (Textual) [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 10,546,000	$ 11,083,000	$ 9,778,000
Capital expenditure commitments	$ 1,077,000
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciated and amortized over a period	39 years
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciated and amortized over a period	3 years

Other Investments (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Other Investments (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Other Investments (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Ownership interest in investment	27.00%	27.00%
Purchase of components under agreement	$ 2,087,000	$ 5,577,000	$ 5,362,000
Allocation of equity method income (loss)	0	0	$ 0
Company Owed GWS	281,000	500,000
Great Wall Semiconductor Corporation (GWS) [Member]
Other Investments (Textual) [Abstract]
Investment in non-voting convertible preferred stock	0	0
Great Wall Semiconductor Corporation (GWS) [Member] \| Convertible preferred stock [Member]
Other Investments (Textual) [Abstract]
Investment in non-voting convertible preferred stock	$ 5,000,000	$ 5,000,000

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of obligations due all related parties.

+ References + Details

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Patents [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Patent cost
Patent costs	$ 3,316	$ 3,353
Accumulated amortization	(1,984)	(1,877)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 1,332	$ 1,476

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Details 1) - GWS Intangible [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Assets
GWS intangible assets	$ 500	$ 500
Accumulated amortization	(437)	(312)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 63	$ 188

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of estimated fair value exceeding carrying value		15.00%
Recorded impairment charge	$ 2,012,000	$ 2,012,000
Patent renewal fees		55,000	$ 47,000
Amortization expense		314,000	$ 325,000	$ 318,000
License agreement with GWS		500,000
Patents [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Textual) [Abstract]
Future amortization expense from Patent assets held 2012	182,000	182,000
Future amortization expense from Patent assets held 2013	168,000	168,000
Future amortization expense from Patent assets held 2014	140,000	140,000
Future amortization expense from Patent assets held 2015	127,000	127,000
Future amortization expense from Patent assets held 2016	121,000	121,000
GWS Intangible [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Textual) [Abstract]
Future amortization expense from Patent assets held 2013	63,000	63,000
VJLC [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill reassessed carrying value	$ 2,012,000	$ 2,012,000

Product Warranties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Product Warranties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Product warranty activity
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 572	$ 649	$ 772
Accruals for warranties for products sold in the period	439	1,392	573
Fulfillment of warranty obligations	(554)	(1,134)	(548)
Revisions of estimated obligations	(93)	(335)	(148)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 364	$ 572	$ 649

Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2000	Jul. 22, 2011	Jun. 28, 2010
Stockholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Vicor Common Stock reserved for issuance				8,541,000	8,541,000
Stockholder's Equity (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Common Stock repurchased as per November Plan	$ 20,000,000						$ 30,000,000
Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2000 Plan				8,541,000	8,541,000
Cash dividend, Per share				$ 0.00				$ 0.15	$ 0.30
Total dividend paid to shareholder		$ 6,272,000	$ 12,506,000
Cash dividends on subsidiary common stock				$ 1,600,000	$ 2,000,000	$ 5,457,000
Cash dividends paid to the Company				1,222,000	1,310,000	4,905,000
Cash dividends paid to outside shareholders				$ 378,000	$ 690,000	$ 552,000
Common Stock were issued upon the exercise of stock options				580
Tender offer expiration date				March 1, 2013
Common stock for aggregate consideration				$ 10,932,000
Number of shares accepted				2,031,995
Vicor Stock Options [Member]
Stockholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Vicor Common Stock reserved for issuance				14,858,194
Stockholder's Equity (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2000 Plan				14,858,194

Other Income, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Other Income, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Components of the other income
Interest income	$ 136	$ 259	$ 442
Foreign currency (losses) gains, net	(46)	(326)	(158)
Gain on disposal of equipment	33	21	249
Credit gains (losses) on available for sale securities	(9)	302	(146)
Unrealized gain on trading securities			970
Unrealized loss on auction rate securities rights			(962)
Other	80	90	102
Total other income, net	$ 194	$ 346	$ 497

- Definition

The aggregate unrealized foreign currency transaction gain (loss) (pretax) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Represents the aggregate of gains (losses) on transactions that are unsettled as of the balance sheet date, which is therefore an adjustment to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by or used in continuing operations. Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting entity's financial statements. For certain entities, primarily banks, that are dealers in foreign exchange, foreign currency transaction gains (losses) may be disclosed as dealer gains (losses).

+ References + Details

- Definition

The increase (decrease) resulting in a gain from the difference between the fair value and the carrying value, or in the comparative fair values, of trading securities held at each balance sheet date, that was included in earnings for the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 35
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=16383099&loc=d3e24584-111560

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7(c))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27357-111563

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 13
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 21
-Subparagraph e
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred tax assets:
Research and development tax credit carryforwards	$ 9,032	$ 8,707
Inventory reserves	2,651	2,255
Stock-based compensation	2,218	1,830
Vacation accrual	1,569	1,543
Investment tax credit carryforwards	1,335	1,381
Net operating loss carryforwards	1,088	1,201
Capital loss carryforward	680	700
Deferred revenue	555	635
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward	556	556
Unrealized loss on investments	380	568
Warranty reserves	90	144
Bad debt reserves	99	92
Other	694	855
Total deferred tax assets	20,947	20,467
Less: Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	(11,480)	(9,736)
Net deferred tax assets	9,467	10,731
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation	(2,261)	(3,251)
Prepaid expenses	(733)	(660)
Patent amortization	(477)	(544)
Unremitted Vicor Custom earnings	(342)	(337)
Goodwill		(628)
Other	(355)	(593)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(4,168)	(6,013)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 5,299	$ 4,718

Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Domestic and foreign components of pretax income
Domestic	$ (3,109)	$ 13,406	$ 28,973
Foreign	518	626	646
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ (2,591)	$ 14,032	$ 29,619

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current:
Federal	$ 920	$ 3,624	$ 1,187
State	425	496	958
Foreign	231	455	209
Current, Total	1,576	4,575	2,354
Deferred:
Federal	(369)	148	(6,274)
Provision for income taxes	$ 1,207	$ 4,723	$ (3,920)

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted federal tax law to the domestic taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts of income taxes paid or payable (or refundable) for the period for all income tax obligations as determined by applying the provisions of relevant enacted tax laws to relevant amounts of taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Current Tax Expense (or Benefit)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509736

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 6.I.7)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6889476&loc=d3e330036-122817

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section I
-Subsection 7

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 289
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted state and local tax law to relevant amounts of taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 6.I.7)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6889476&loc=d3e330036-122817

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Current Tax Expense (or Benefit)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509736

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 45
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section I
-Subsection 7

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 289
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) during the period in the entity's domestic deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the federally enacted tax law.

+ References

+ Details

Income Taxes (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 3)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of reconciliation of statutory and effective income tax rate
Statutory federal tax rate	(34.00%)	35.00%	34.00%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	(9.40%)	3.40%	2.70%
Book income attributable to noncontrolling interest	6.80%	(1.40%)	(0.30%)
U.S. manufacturing deduction	(3.80%)	(2.00%)	(0.90%)
Permanent items	2.20%	0.50%	0.20%
Tax credits	0.60%	(4.00%)
Increase in tax reserves	0.30%	0.60%	2.30%
Foreign rate differential and deferred items	0.10%	0.60%	(1.00%)
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	84.50%		(49.70%)
Other	(0.70%)	1.00%	(0.50%)
Effective income tax rate	46.60%	33.70%	(13.20%)

Income Taxes (Details 4) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 4) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Schedule of reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of total amounts of unrecognized tax
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning Balance	$ 1,405
Additions based on tax provisions related to the current year	134
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(33)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance	$ 1,506

Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Income Taxes (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Valuation allowance, deferred tax assets	$ 11,480,000		$ 9,736,000
Net deferred tax assets	5,299,000		4,718,000
Deferred tax assets valuation allowance increase	1,489,000
Valuation allowance				$ 5,158,000
Additional benefit for income taxes		$ 1,159,000
Unremitted earnings of international subsidiaries	2,670,000
Unrecognized deferred tax liability	$ 212,000
Research tax credit carryforward extension period	2 years
Expected effective income tax rate related to tax benefit	25.40%
Unrecognized tax benefits expected increases resulting from prior period tax positions	$ 549,000
Accrued interest	1,506,000		$ 1,405,000
Potential payment of interest	177,000
Income tax expense for interest	32,000
Settlement of Income tax audit	49,000
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Federal alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards	396,000
Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] \| Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Federal research and development tax credit	$ 1,012,000

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Year
2013	$ 1,506
2014	1,106
2015	531
2016	126
2017 and thereafter	$ 199

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2009	Nov. 30, 2008	Feb. 28, 2007	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2006	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Mar. 02, 2009	Feb. 22, 2007
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Rent expense						$ 1,677,000	$ 1,592,000	$ 1,492,000
Minimum annual payment to third-party nitrogen supplier				$ 300,000		300,000
Unrecognized tax benefits recorded as liabilities due to uncertain settlement amounts				1,328,000		1,328,000
Unrecognized tax benefits for potential interest and penalties						177,000
Gain (loss) from the litigation-related settlements				$ 1,975,000	$ (37,200,000)	1,975,000
Legal settlement cost			$ 50,000,000
Reimbursed by the insurance carriers										$ 12,800,000
Jury awarded in damages to the Company		$ 17,300,000
Reduction in jury award									$ 4,000,000
Affirming the award	$ 13,300,000
Prejudgment interest	3,179,000
Insurance carriers total	$ 16,479,000
Insurance carriers on cash payment						$ 1,975,000

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Significant segment financial data
Net revenues	$ 50,424	$ 52,948	$ 55,467	$ 59,668	$ 58,551	$ 58,560	$ 65,402	$ 70,455	$ 218,507	$ 252,968	$ 250,733
Income (loss) from operations									(2,785)	13,686	29,122
Total assets	202,581				208,141				202,581	208,141	204,912
Depreciation and amortization									10,423	11,005	10,222
BBU [Member]
Significant segment financial data
Net revenues									179,919	194,830	217,018
Income (loss) from operations									28,114	31,938	55,619
Total assets	97,507				82,096				97,507	82,096	78,014
Depreciation and amortization									4,958	5,503	4,788
VI Chip [Member]
Significant segment financial data
Net revenues									38,083	55,154	33,842
Income (loss) from operations									(27,409)	(16,294)	(24,565)
Total assets	21,105				30,701				21,105	30,701	31,278
Depreciation and amortization									3,568	3,570	3,500
Picor [Member]
Significant segment financial data
Net revenues									9,724	13,183	11,061
Income (loss) from operations									(2,786)	(1,239)	(1,282)
Total assets	5,365				7,098				5,365	7,098	7,463
Depreciation and amortization									414	458	470
Corporate [Member]
Significant segment financial data
Income (loss) from operations									(704)	(719)	(640)
Total assets	119,007				119,231				119,007	119,231	103,486
Depreciation and amortization									1,483	1,474	1,464
Eliminations [Member]
Significant segment financial data
Net revenues									(9,219)	(10,199)	(11,188)
Income (loss) from operations											(10)
Total assets	$ (40,403)				$ (30,985)				$ (40,403)	$ (30,985)	$ (15,329)

Segment Information (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
Segment Information (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2012 Customers	Dec. 31, 2011 Customers	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) Customers
Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Capital accounts amount			$ 50,000,000
International sales, as a percentage of total net revenues	51.10%	56.90%	49.20%
Number of customers accounted of net revenues \| Customers	1	1	2
Hong Kong [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	12.50%	11.80%	11.40%
China And Taiwan [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	9.00%	15.30%	11.80%
Customer One [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	10.10%	14.90%	12.30%
Customer Two [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues			11.50%
Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amount payable to BBU			$ 172,100,000

Subsequent Event (Details)	1 Months Ended
Subsequent Event (Details)	Feb. 28, 2013 USD ($)
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Pre-tax charge for the cost of severance and other employee-related costs	$ 1,300,000

- Definition

The charge against earnings in the period for known and estimated costs of termination benefits provided to current employees that are involuntarily terminated under a benefit arrangement associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding costs or losses pertaining to an entity newly acquired in a business combination or a discontinued operation as defined by generally accepted accounting principles and costs associated with one-time termination benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(b))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394695&loc=d3e140904-122747

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)(10)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394695&loc=d3e140864-122747

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5-8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 5
-Section P
-Subsection 3, 4

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 146
-Paragraph 8-13, 20
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS146-1
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 112
-Paragraph 7
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 50,424	$ 52,948	$ 55,467	$ 59,668	$ 58,551	$ 58,560	$ 65,402	$ 70,455	$ 218,507	$ 252,968	$ 250,733
Gross margin	20,125	22,953	24,106	24,467	24,491	24,440	27,309	30,454	91,651	106,694	114,520
Consolidated net income (loss)	(4,663)	280	244	341	761	1,175	3,204	4,169	(3,798)	9,309	33,539
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	151	89	24	15	84	93	138	151	279	466	214
Net income (loss) attributable to Vicor Corporation	$ (4,814)	$ 191	$ 220	$ 326	$ 677	$ 1,082	$ 3,066	$ 4,018	$ (4,077)	$ 8,843	$ 33,325
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Vicor Corporation:
Basic and diluted	$ (0.12)		$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.02	$ 0.03	$ 0.07	$ 0.10	$ (0.10)	$ 0.21

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Net Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e565-108580

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 10, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A7
-Appendix A

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 87-21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 19
-Article 5

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28, 29, 30
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 20
-Article 9

+ Details

- Definition

Amount of Net Income (Loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

+ Details

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2006	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Results of Operations (Textual) [Abstract]
Impairment of goodwill	$ 2,012,000		$ 2,012,000
Litigation-related settlement	1,975,000	$ (37,200,000)	1,975,000
Increase in inventory reserves	$ 1,400,000		1,400,000
Income tax valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets			$ 1,489,000

- Definition

Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=14024403&loc=d3e13854-109267

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13777-109266

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=14024403&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 20
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-Clause 5
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 47
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
(Credit) Charge to Costs and Expenses	$ 37,000	$ 18,000	$ 57,000
Other Charges, Deductions (1)	(11,000)	(61,000)	(8,000)
Balance at End of Period	292,000	266,000	309,000
Inventory Reserves [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
(Credit) Charge to Costs and Expenses	2,621,000	1,650,000	1,721,000
Other Charges, Deductions (1)	(1,339,000)	(727,000)	(2,220,000)
Balance at End of Period	$ 7,649,000	$ 6,367,000	$ 5,444,000

Label	Element	Value
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance	$ 260,000
Inventory Valuation Reserve [Member]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance	$ 5,943,000