Non-United States Employee Share Purchase Plan 2006 [Member] 2006 ESPP Represents the details pertaining to the 2006 ESPP (2006 Employee Share Purchase Plan (Non-U.S.). 2006 Employee Share Purchase Plan (Non-U.S.) Amendments to and Restatement of 2006 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Amendments to and restatement of 2006 Stock Incentive Plan Represents the details pertaining to amendments to and restatement of the 2006 Plan (2006 Stock Incentive Plan). 2012 Stock Inducement Equity Plan Represents the details pertaining to 2012 Stock Inducement Equity Plan. Stock Inducement Equity Plan 2012 [Member] Share-based compensation expense included in gross profit The allocation (or location) of expense to (in) gross profit. Gross Profit [Member] Time-based restricted stock units (RSUs) as awarded by a company to their employees as a form of incentive compensation. Time-based RSU [Member] Time-based RSUs Performance-based RSUs Performance-based restricted stock units (RSUs) as awarded by a company to their employees as a form of incentive compensation. Performance-based RSU [Member] Award Type [Axis] Foreign Exchange Swap Contracts An agreement between two parties to exchange two currencies at a certain exchange rate at a certain time in the future. Foreign Exchange Swap Contracts [Member] Other income/ expense The allocation (or location) of amounts to (in) other income and expense. Other Income Expense [Member] Peripherals Represents the Peripherals operating segment of the entity. Peripherals [Member] Retail Communication [Member] Retail - Communication Represents the retail communication product family. Amendment Description Retail Digital Music [Member] Retail - Digital Music Represents the retail digital music product family. Amendment Flag Retail PC Speakers [Member] Retail - PC Speakers Represents the retail PC Speakers product family. Video conferencing Represents the Video Conferencing operating segment of the entity. Video Conferencing [Member] Unsecured Bank Lines of Credit [Member] Unsecured bank lines of credit Represents information pertaining to unsecured bank lines of credit. Investment [Axis] Corporate Credit Cards [Member] Credit lines related to corporate credit cards Represents information pertaining to credit lines related to corporate credit cards. Investment [Domain] Inventory Purchase Obligations [Member] Contractual obligation to purchase inventory such as raw and packaging materials, finished goods, supplies and other types of materials over periods less than one year. Inventory Purchase Obligations Operating Expenses [Member] Contractual obligation to provide funding of consulting services, marketing arrangements, advertising, outsourced customer services and other services over periods less than one year. Operating Expenses All Countries [Domain] Capital Expenditure [Member] Contractual obligation to increase property, plant and equipment either through construction or future purchase over periods less than one year. Capital Expenditure Guarantee of contract manufacturers purchase obligations, with specified maximum Guarantees of the purchase obligations of contract manufacturers and original design manufacturers to certain component suppliers. Represents only those guarantees that have specified maximum exposure amounts. Guarantee of Contract Manufacturers Purchase Obligations with Specified Maximum [Member] Parent holding company guarantees of certain subsidiary contingent liabilities. Parent Guarantee of Subsidiary Obligations [Member] Parent Guarantee Of Subsidiary Obligations Parent guarantee of subsidiary purchases, with specified maximum Parent holding company guarantees of subsidiary purchase obligations. Represents only those guarantees that have specified maximum exposure amounts. Parent Guarantee of Subsidiary Purchases with Specified Maximum [Member] Parent holding company guarantees of subsidiary purchase obligations. Parent Guarantee of Subsidiary Purchases [Member] Parent Guarantee Of Subsidiary Purchases Parent Guarantee for Purchase Obligation of Third Party Contract Manufacturer [Member] Parent Guarantee for purchases obligation of third-party contract manufacturer Parent holding company guarantees for purchases obligation of third-party contract manufacturer. Document and Entity Information Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plans, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes Foreign currency exchange rate changes Amount of adjustment to other comprehensive income (loss) resulting from foreign currency exchange rate changes of the entity's defined benefit plans. Other Comprehensive Income, Amortization Included in Net Income [Abstract] Amortization included in net income (loss): Shares Conditionally Authorized Shares, conditionally authorized Shares authorized by shareholders for future issuance on conversion or exercise of derivative securities. Current Fiscal Year End Date Valuation Allowances and Reserves Charged to Cost of Goods Sold for Product Inventory valuation adjustment Valuation allowances and reserves charged to cost of goods sold for Revue product Valuation adjustment charged to cost of goods sold Stock Issued During Period, Value, Option Exercises and Purchase Rights Sale of shares upon exercise of options and purchase rights Value of shares issued during the period as a result of the exercise of stock options or an employee stock purchase plan. Number of shares issued during the period as a result of the exercise of stock options or an employee stock purchase plan. Sale of shares upon exercise of options and purchase rights (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Option Exercises and Purchase Rights The Company Employee Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Plans [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plans Schedule of Dilution Effect of Share-based Awards, Granted Assumed and Exercised [Table Text Block] Schedule of dilution effect of share-based awards granted, assumed and exercised Tabular disclosure of dilution effect of share-based awards granted, assumed and exercised. Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Premium Priced Stock Options and Employee Purchase Plan Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of assumptions used to determine the fair value of employee stock options, premium-priced stock options and shares purchased under the employee purchase plans Tabular disclosure of the significant assumptions used during the year to estimate the fair value of employee stock options, premium-priced stock sptions and employee stock purchase plans, including, but not limited to: (a) expected term, (b) expected volatility of the entity's shares, (c) expected dividends, (d) risk-free rate(s), and (e) discount for post-vesting restrictions. Schedule of Assumptions for Fair Value of Performance based RSU [Table Text Block] Schedule of assumptions applied for the fair value of performance-based RSUs using the Monte-Carlo simulation model Tabular disclosure of the significant assumptions used during the year to estimate the fair value of performance-based restricted stock units, including, but not limited to: (a) expected term, (b) expected volatility of the entity's shares, (c) expected dividends, (d) risk-free rate(s), and (e) discount for post-vesting restrictions. Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Grants in Period [Table Text Block] Schedule of equity incentive awards granted Tabular disclosure of equity options or other equity instruments granted during the year. Schedule of fair value of the defined benefit pension plan assets by major categories and by levels within the fair value hierarchy Tabular disclosure of the major categories of plan assets of pension plans, including the fair value of each major category of plan assets and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall. Schedule of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Document Period End Date Schedule of Balance Sheet Components Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of balance sheet asset Tabular disclosure of the components of balance sheet asset accounts. Tabular disclosure of the components of balance sheet liability accounts. Schedule of components of balance sheet liability Schedule of Balance Sheet Components, Liability [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale Securities [Member] Schedule of changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts Schedule of Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts. Schedule of Repurchase Plan [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the details of share repurchase programs. Schedule of approved share buyback program Schedule of Shares Repurchased under Repurchase Plan [Table Text Block] Schedule of repurchased shares under share buyback program Tabular disclosure of shares repurchased under the share buyback program. Schedule of Revenue by Product Family Excluding Inter Company Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of net sales by product family, excluding intercompany transactions Tabular disclosure of net sales by product family excluding intercompany transactions. Schedule of Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Area [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of geographic areas from which revenue is material and the amount of revenue from external customers attributed to those areas. Schedule of net sales to unaffiliated customers by geographic region Schedule of Entity Wide Disclosure on Geographic Areas Long-Lived Assets [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of geographic areas in which material long-lived assets other than financial instruments, long-term customer relationships of a financial institution, mortgage and other servicing rights, deferred policy acquisition costs, and deferred tax assets are located, and amount of such long-lived assets located in that geographic area. Schedule of long-lived assets by geographic region Fiscal Period [Abstract] Fiscal Year Number of Weeks in Interim Quarter Number of weeks in each interim quarter Represents the number of weeks in each interim quarter. China CHINA Number of Deliverables Number of deliverables Represents the number of deliverables on sale of products by the entity. Represents the estimated life of hardware products. Hardware Products Estimate Life Estimated life of hardware (in months) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Information related to various accounting policies of the entity. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Cash Equivalents Cash Equivalents Original Maturity Period Maximum original maturity period of cash equivalents (in months) Represents the original maturity period of investments classified as cash equivalents. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Equity Instruments Other than Options Grants in Period Number of grants made during the period on share options (or share units) and option plans other than stock. Stock options and RSUs granted Stock options and restricted stock assumed in LifeSize acquisition Number of equity-based payment instruments such as stock (or unit) options assumed in acquisition during the reporting period. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Equity Instruments Other than Options Assumed in Acquisition Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Equity Instruments Other than Options Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Number of share options (or share units) and option plans other than stock that were forfeited, cancelled, or had expired during the reporting period. Stock options and RSUs canceled, forfeited, or expired Germany GERMANY Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Equity Instruments Other than Options Granted and Assumed in Period Net Number of share options (or share units) and option plans other than stock that were granted and assumed during the period net of forfeitures, cancellations, and expirations. Net awards granted and assumed (in shares) Grant Dilution Percentage Grant dilution (as a percent) Represents the grant dilution percentage which is computed based on net awards granted and assumed as a percentage of basic weighted average shares outstanding. Stock options exercised and RSUs vested Number of share options (or share units) exercised and option plans other than stock that vested during the reporting period. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Exercised and Equity Instruments Other than Options Vested in Period Exercise Dilution Percentage Exercise dilution (as a percent) Represents the exercise dilution percentage which is computed based on options exercised as a percentage of basic weighted average shares outstanding. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Assumed in Acquisition Assumed in LifeSize acquisition, Number (in shares) Number of share options (or share units) assumed pursuant to acquisitions. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Assumed in Acquisition Weighted Average Exercise Price Assumed in LifeSize acquisition, Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Weighted average price at which grantees can acquire the shares assumed in acquisition during the reporting period. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Outstanding, Total Fair Value Total fair value of options vested As of the balance sheet date, the total fair value of fully vested options outstanding. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Granted in Period Expected Forfeitures Rate Expected forfeitures (as a percent) The expected rate of forfeiture of options granted during the reporting period. Represents the number of fully vested in-the-money options exercisable. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Number of Vested in the Money Exercisable Options Total number of fully vested in-the-money options exercisable (in shares) Unvested options (in shares) The number of unvested stock options that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Options Nonvested Number Expected to vest (in shares) The number of stock options that are expected to vest as of the balance sheet date. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Options Expected to Vest Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Assumed in Acquisition Assumed in LifeSize acquisition, Number (in shares) The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that assumed in acquisition during the reporting period. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Assumed in Acquisition Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Assumed in LifeSize acquisition, Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per shares) The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards assumed in acquisition during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments, Other Than Options, Nonvested Grant Date Fair Value The grant date fair value of nonvested awards on equity-based plans excluding option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan) for which the employer is contingently obligated to issue equity instruments or transfer assets to an employee who has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to proceeds from the sale of the award or underlying shares or units. Grant date fair value of outstanding RSUs (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Intrinsic Value The total intrinsic value of equity-based payment equity instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that vested during the reporting period as calculated by applying the disclosed pricing methodology. Total pretax intrinsic value of RSUs vested Premium-priced stock options Premium-priced stock options as awarded by a company to their employees as a form of incentive compensation. Premium Priced Stock Options [Member] First Tranche [Member] First Tranche Represents first tranche of premium-priced stock options of the entity. Second Tranche [Member] Second Tranche Represents second tranche of premium-priced stock options of the entity. Third Tranche [Member] Third Tranche Represents third tranche of premium-priced stock options of the entity. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Grants in Period Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value Grant Date Fair Value Represents the aggregate grant-date fair value of awards granted during the reporting period as calculated by applying the disclosed option pricing methodology. The period of time, from the grant date until the time at which the share-based award expires. Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Term Term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Vesting Terms Average Closing Share Price Trading Period Term under which shares will vest (in days) Represents the conditions under which shares will vest if the average closing share price trading period meets or exceeds the exercise price of the grant. Share-based Compensation Award to Individual by Title of Individual [Axis] Reflects the pertinent provisions pertaining to the share-based compensation awards, by individual. Title of Individual who Receives Share-based Compensation from Entity [Domain] Title of the individual (or the nature of the entity's relationship with the individual) who is a recipient of share-based compensation. Defined Benefit Plan, Initial Adoption of Plan Initial adoption of Japanese plan Represents the amount of increase or decrease due to the initiation of a new defined benefit pension plan. The amount of decrease in the benefit obligation due to administrative expense paid during the reporting period. Defined Benefit Plan, Administrative Expense Paid Administrative expense paid Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Transition Obligations Assets and Net Prior Service Cost Credit Amortization of net transition obligation and prior service cost The amount of the transition obligation or asset recognized and prior service cost or credit recognized in net periodic benefit cost relating to benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation. Represents discrete tax benefits resulting from the expiration of statutes of limitations and the closure of income tax audits in certain jurisdictions. Income Tax Benefit, Expiration of Statue of Limitations and Closure of Audits Discrete tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits and Related Accrued Interest and Penalties The gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions taken in tax returns as of the balance sheet date. In addition, this element represents the total of accruals as of the date of the statement of financial position for interest recognized for an underpayment of income taxes computed by applying the applicable statutory rate of interest to the difference between a tax position recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amount previously taken or expected to be taken in a tax return of the entity and the amount of statutory penalties for a tax position claimed or expected to be claimed by the entity, in its tax return, that does not meet the minimum statutory threshold to avoid payment of penalties. Unrecognized tax benefits and related accrued interest and penalties Increase in Current Deferred Tax Assets Due to Reclassification of Noncurrent to Current Deferred Tax Assets Increase in current deferred tax assets from reclassifications Increase in current deferred tax assets due to reclassification from noncurrent to current deferred tax assets. Property Plant and Equipment Gross before Non-depreciable Items Gross amount, at the balance sheet date, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, excluding items not subject to depreciation. Property, plant and equipment, gross Tangible assets that are held by an entity for use in the production or supply of goods and services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes and that are expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year; net of accumulated depreciation. Excludes items not subject to depreciation. Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, before Non-depreciable Items Property, plant and equipment before non-depreciable items Computer Equipment, Gross Computer equipment Computer equipment, gross. Allowance for Returns Allowance for returns Allowance for estimates of expected future product returns. Allowance for Cooperative Marketing Arrangements Allowance for cooperative marketing arrangements Represents the amount of allowance for cooperative marketing arrangements. Basis of Presentation Allowance for customer incentive programs Represents the amount of allowance for customer incentive programs. Allowance for Customer Incentive Programs Allowance for Pricing Programs Allowance for pricing programs Represents the amount of allowance for pricing programs. Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Income Tax and Value Added Tax Receivable Tax and value-added tax refund receivables Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of income taxes previously overpaid to tax authorities (such as U.S. Federal, state and local tax authorities) representing refunds of overpayments or recoveries based on agreed-upon resolutions of disputes. Also includes the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of value added taxes due either from customers arising from sales on credit terms, or as previously overpaid to tax authorities. Entity Voluntary Filers Deposits and Other Deposits and other Represents deposits and other noncurrent assets not separately identified. Entity Current Reporting Status Other Disclosure [Abstract] Other disclosures Entity Filer Category Inventory valuation reserve to reflect the lower of cost or market on inventory of Revue and related products. Inventory Valuation, Reserves for Product Adjustments made to inventories Entity Public Float Accrued Freight and Duty Current Accrued freight and duty Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for freight and duty. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Entity Registrant Name Normal Operating Cycle Period Entity's normal operating cycle period Represents the entity's normal operating cycle period. Entity Central Index Key Investment Maturity Period Represents the maturity period of an investment or group of investments. Maturity term Number of Auction Rate Securities Sold Number of auction rate securities that have been sold Number of auction rate securities that have sold during the period. Carrying value of securities sold Carrying Value of Auction Rate Securities Sold Represents the carrying value of auction rate securities sold. Par Value of Auction Rate Securities Sold Par value of securities sold Par value of auction rate securities that have sold during the period. Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Number of Auction Rate Securities Liquidated Number of securities liquidated Represents the number of auction rate securities liquidated during the year. Carrying Value of Auction Rate Securities Liquidated Total carrying value of securities liquidated Represents the carrying value of auction rate securities liquidated. Par Value of Auction Rate Securities Liquidated Total par value of securities liquidated Represents the par value of auction rate securities liquidated. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Auction Rate Securities Liquidated Adjustment Accumulated appreciation or loss in the liquidated auction rate securities at the end of an accounting period. Gain recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income Par value of auction rate securities portfolio Available-for-sale Securities Par Value Par value and original cost of auction rate securities classified as available for sale. Number of Auction Rate Securities Experienced Event of Default Number of auction rate securities that have experienced events of default. Number of securities that have experienced an event of default Par Value of Auction Rate Securities Experienced Event of Default Par value of auction rate securities that have experienced events of default. Par value of auction rate securities that have experienced an event of default Estimated Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities Experienced Event of Default Estimated fair value of auction rate securities that have experienced an event of default Estimated fair value of auction rate securities that have experienced events of default. Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Loss Included in Earnings Realized loss on sales of securities Amount of loss recognized in earnings, arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (level 3). Reversal of unrealized gains previously recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income Fair Value Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Reversal of Gain Previously Included in other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Amount of reversal of unrealized gain previously recognized in other comprehensive income, arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (level 3). Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Amount of gain recognized in other comprehensive income, arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (level 3). Unrealized gain Fair Value Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Loss Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Earnings Unrealized loss Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income and earnings, arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (level 3). The amount of net gains and losses recognized in income during the period on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges, on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges, and on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, excluding amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income. Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income immediately Derivative Instrument, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Excluding Amount Reclassified from Accumulated OCI, Net Goodwill Reporting Unit Excess of Fair Value over Carrying Value Percentage, Minimum Represents the minimum excess of the fair value of each reporting unit over its carrying value, expressed as a percentage of the carrying value. Minimum percentage of carrying value by which the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded the carrying value Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] Accounts receivable, net: Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Three Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized after the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Future amortization expense, thereafter Optional expansion, maximum borrowing capacity Maximum additional borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. Line of Credit Facility Optional, Maximum Additional Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility Increased Maximum Borrowing Capacity Increased maximum borrowing capacity Represents increased maximum borrowing capacity under the line of credit facility. Document Fiscal Year Focus Represents the commitment fee, expressed as a percentage of the variable margin on the line of credit facility. Line of Credit Facility Commitment Fee as Percentage of Variable Margin Commitment fee as percentage of the variable margin Document Fiscal Period Focus Aggregate amount of lender commitments which may be terminated upon a change of control of the entity Line of Credit Facility Aggregate Commitments Callable Upon Change of Control Represents the aggregate amount of lender commitments in relation to the total commitments under the line of credit facility which may be terminated by the lender upon a change of control of the entity. Building Facilities In Northern California Building Facilities in Northern California [Member] Represents facilities for the Americas operations in Northern California. Building Facilities in Texas [Member] Represents the LifeSize headquarters in Austin, Texas. Building Facilities In Texas Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table] Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table] Product Warranties Product Warranty Liability [Line Items] Standard Product Warranty, Period Warranty period Represents the period of the standard product warranty. Guarantee of Contract Manufacturers Purchase Obligations Guarantees of the purchase obligations of contract manufacturers and original design manufacturers to certain component suppliers. Guarantee of Contract Manufacturers Purchase Obligations [Member] Represents the number of guarantees. Guarantee Obligations Number Number of guarantees Guarantee Obligations Number without Specified Maximum Exposure Number of guarantees without a specified maximum exposure Represents the number of guarantees for which there is no specified maximum exposure amount. Represents the number of guarantees for which there is a specified maximum exposure amount. Number of guarantees with a specified maximum exposure Guarantee Obligations Number with Specified Maximum Exposure Outstanding Guarantee, Amount Guarantees outstanding Amount outstanding under guarantee obligations. Maximum Period to Reopen the Action in Court Maximum period to reopen the action in court if settlement fails between Logitech and UEI Represents the maximum period to reopen the action in court if settlement between two parties fails. Document Type Represents the period of the automatic extension of the term of the guarantee or each group of similar guarantees. Term of guarantee, automatic extension (in years) Guarantee Obligations Automatic Term Extension Number of Subsidiaries with Guarantees Number of subsidiaries with guarantees Represents the number of subsidiaries for which guarantees are provided. Common Stock Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Employee Equity Incentive Plans Aggregate number of common shares reserved for future issuance under the entity's equity incentive plans. Conditional capital reserved for potential issuance on exercise of rights under employee equity incentive plans (in shares) Common Stock Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Conversion Rights under Future Convertible Bond Issuance Aggregate number of common shares reserved for future issuance related to conversion rights under future convertible bond issuances. Conditional capital reserved for potential issuance to cover conversion rights under future convertible bond issuance (in shares) Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, net Percentage of Annual Net Income to be Retained in Legal Reserves Minimum Minimum percentage of annual net income to be retained in legal reserves Represents the minimum percentage of annual net income to be retained in legal reserves. Legal Reserves Threshold at which Annual Net Income not Required to be Retained Threshold of legal reserves as a percentage of issued and outstanding aggregate par value per share capital at which a minimum percentage of annual net income is no longer required to be retained Represents the threshold of legal reserves as a percentage of issued and outstanding aggregate par value per share capital at which a minimum percentage of annual net income is no longer required to be retained. Portion of Legal Reserves Included in Appropriated Retained Earnings Portion of appropriated retained earnings representing legal reserves A segregation of the portion of retained earnings which is unavailable for dividend distribution representing legal reserves. A segregation of the portion of retained earnings which is unavailable for dividend distribution representing reserves for treasury shares. Portion of Treasury Share Reserves Included in Appropriated Retained Earnings Portion of appropriated retained earnings representing reserves for treasury shares September 2008 Share repurchase program authorized September 2008. Share Repurchase Program September 2008 [Member] Details pertaining to amended share repurchase program which was authorized September 2008. September 2008 - amended Share Repurchase Program September 2008 Amended [Member] Share Repurchase Program June 2007 [Member] Share repurchase program authorized June 2007. June 2007 Stock Repurchased during Period Shares subject to Cancellation Shares repurchased subject to cancellation Represents the number of shares repurchased subject to cancellation during the period. Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Accounts receivable Aggregate number of common shares reserved for future issuance under the entity's equity incentive plans before amendment. Common Stock Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Employee Equity Incentive Plans before Amendment Conditional capital reserved for potential issuance on exercise of rights under employee equity incentive plans, before amendment (in shares) Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension Liability Tax Amount Pension liability adjustments, tax amount The tax amount related to the total of net gain (loss), prior service cost (credit), and transition assets (obligations), as well as minimum pension liability if still remaining, included in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan(s) because they have yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. Retail - Pointing Devices Represents the retail pointing devices product family. Retail Pointing Devices [Member] Retail Keyboards Desktops [Member] Retail - Keyboards & Desktops Represents the retail keyboards and desktops product family. Retail - Audio Represents the retail audio product family. Retail Audio [Member] Retail - Video Represents the retail video product family. Retail Video [Member] Represents the retail gaming product family. Retail Gaming [Member] Retail - Gaming Retail - Digital Home Represents the retail digital home product family. Retail Digital Home [Member] OEM Represents the original equipment manufacturer product family. Original Equipment Manufacturer [Member] Video Conferencing Represents the video conferencing product family. Life Size [Member] Consolidated net sales Aggregate revenue during the period from the sale of goods and services in the normal course of business, after deducting returns, allowances and discounts, when it serves as a benchmark in a concentration of risk calculation. Sales Revenue Net [Member] Consolidated long-lived assets Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of long-lived assets when it serves as a benchmark in a concentration of risk calculation. Long-Lived Assets [Member] Americas Americas [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Americas. EMEA Europe Middle East and Africa [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Europe Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific Asia Pacific [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Asia Pacific. Single customer group Represents the details that pertain to one customer group. Individual Customer Group [Member] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Single customer Represents the details that pertain to one customer. Individual Customer [Member] No other single country Represents information pertaining to a single country. Individual Country [Member] Concentration Risk [Abstract] Concentration risk Percentage of Concentration Risk Threshold Threshold not reached for reporting individual countries (as a percent) Threshold percentage which the entity uses for disclosure. Number of Major Customers Number of major customer Represents the number of major customers. Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 1.00 to 11.45 [Member] $1.00 - $11.45 Represents the range of exercise prices from 1.00 dollars to 11.45 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 11.46 to 16.35 [Member] $11.46 - $16.35 Represents the range of exercise prices from 11.46 dollars to 16.35 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 16.36 to 23.35 [Member] $16.36 - $23.35 Represents the range of exercise prices from 16.36 dollars to 23.35 dollars. Represents the range of exercise prices from 23.36 dollars to 50.00 dollars. $23.36 - $50.00 Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 23.36 to 50.00 [Member] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range Outstanding Options [Abstract] Options Outstanding Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts receivable Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range Exercisable Options [Abstract] Options Exercisable Swiss Bonds [Member] Swiss bonds Represents the debt security, issued by the domestic authority, in which the authorized issuer owes the holder a debt and is obliged to repay the principal and interest (the coupon). Foreign Bonds [Member] Foreign bonds Represents the debt security, issued by a foreign authority, in which the authorized issuer owes the holder a debt and is obliged to repay the principal and interest (the coupon). Hedge and Investment Funds [Member] Hedge and investment funds Represents information pertaining to hedge and investment funds. Commodity Fund [Member] Commodity fund Represents the information pertaining to investment in commodity fund. Other Plan Assets [Member] Other Represents other plan assets not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Defined Benefit Plan, Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Roll Forward Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the defined benefit pension plans Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Expected Long-Term Return On Assets Expected average rate of return on plan assets (as a percent) An assumption as to the rate of return on plan assets that is used to calculate benefit obligation. Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Net Total Represents the total amount of benefits expected to be paid in future from a defined benefit plan. Deferred Compensation Plan, Compensation Deferrals Percentage Percentage of vested salary and incentive compensation deferrals permitted to eligible employees The percentage of vested salary and incentive compensation deferrals permitted to be made by eligible employees under the terms of the deferred compensation plan. Deferred Compensation Plan Investment, Income (Loss) The amount of investment income (loss) related to deferred compensation plan during the accounting period. Investment income related to deferred compensation plan Other Income Expense Other, net Represents the net amount of all other income and expenses recognized by the entity in the period not otherwise specified in the income statement. Credit Exposure Limitation, Number of Financial Institutions Number of financial institutions to which company limits the amount of credit exposure Represents the number of financial institutions to which the entity limits the amount of credit exposure. Customer Payment Period Customer payment term (in days) Represents the payment term for customers to pay for product sales. The period of time during which the equity-based award expires. Term of award (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Equal Annual Installments for Award Vesting Number of equal annual installments in which the awards vest Represents the number of equal annual installments over which the awards vest on the grant date anniversary. United States Employee Share Purchase Plan 1996 [Member] 1996 ESPP Represents the details pertaining to the 1996 ESPP (1996 Employee Share Purchase Plan (U.S.). Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] 2006 Plan Represents the details pertaining to the 2006 Plan (2006 Stock Incentive Plan). United States Employee, Share Purchase Plan 1996 and Non United States Employee Share Purchase Plan 2006 [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the 1996 ESPP (1996 Employee Share Purchase Plan (U.S.) and 2006 ESPP (2006 Employee Share Purchase Plan (Non-U.S.). 1996 ESPP and 2006 ESPP Non-executive Directors [Member] Non-executive directors Represents non-executive directors of the entity. Employees [Member] Employees Represents employees of the entity. Income Tax Reconciliation, Transaction Costs Transaction costs The portion of the difference between total income tax expense or benefit as reported in the Income Statement and the expected income tax expense or benefit computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations that is attributable to changes in the transaction costs in the period. Countries [Axis] Income Tax Benefit for Research Tax Credit Tax benefit for research tax credit Represents the amount of income tax benefit for research tax credits. Income Tax Benefit for State Tax Rate Tax benefit for state tax rate Represents details pertaining to income tax provision related to change in the effective state tax rate. Three Dconnexion [Member] 3Dconnexion Details pertaining to the sale of 3Dconnexion. Period over which entity would not generate adequate capital gains before capital gain expires (in years) Represents the period over which entity would not generate adequate capital gains before capital gain expires. Period over Which Entity Would Not Generate Adequate Capital Gains Income Tax Carryforwards [Table] Schedule reflecting pertinent information, such as tax authority, amounts and expiration dates of net operating loss, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards, including an assessment of the likelihood of utilization. Income Tax Carryforwards [Line Items] Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards if Realized to be Credited to Equity Net operating loss if realized, to be credited to equity Represents the operating loss carryforwards, if realized to be credited to equity. Tax Credit Carryforward Amount If Realized to be Credited to Equity Tax credit carryforwards if realized, to be credited to equity Represents the tax credit carryforward, if realized to be credited to equity. Undistributed Earnings of Non-swiss Subsidiaries Amount of undistributed earnings of non-Swiss subsidiaries intended to be permanently reinvested outside Switzerland that are not subject to Swiss income taxes. Cumulative amount of unremitted earnings of non-Swiss subsidiaries Tax Benefits, Recognization Basis for Uncertain Tax Position Likelihood Realization Greater than Percentage Percentage of likelihood of realization of recognized tax benefit The percentage of likelihood of realization that the tax position must exceed in order for the amount to be recognized in the financial statements. Mirial Represents Mirial S.r.l. con socio unico, an Italian company which is a leading provider of personal and mobile video conferencing solutions. Mirial SRL Company [Member] Life Size Communications Inc [Member] LifeSize Represents LifeSize Communications, Inc., an Austin, Texas-based privately-held company specializing in high definition video communication products and services. Sight Speed Inc [Member] SightSpeed Represents SightSpeed Inc., a privately held company which provides high-quality internet video communications services. Patents and core technology Patents and core technology acquired represents awarded patents, filed patent applications and core architectures. Patents and Core Technology [Member] Customer relationships and other An asset acquired in a business combination representing a customer relationship and other intangible assets that exist between the entity and its customer if (a) the entity has information about the customer and has regular contact with the customer, and (b) the customer has the ability to make direct contact with the entity. Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets [Member] Customer contracts and other Customer contracts and other intangible assets relates to the ability to sell existing, in-process, and future versions of the technology. Customer Contracts and Other Intangible Asset [Member] Paradial AS Represents Paradial AS, a Norwegian company providing firewall and NAT (network address translation) traversal solutions for video communications. Paradial AS Company [Member] TV Compass Inc [Member] TV Compass Represents TV Compass, Inc., a company based in Chicago, Illinois which provides video software and services for web and mobile devices. Share-based Compensation, Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Assumed in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average fair value for the stock options assumed (in dollars per share) The weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options assumed during the reporting period as calculated by applying the disclosed option pricing methodology. Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity Escrow Deposit as Security for Indemnification Claims Amount deposited into an escrow account as security for indemnification claims Represents the portion of the purchase consideration deposited in an escrow account as security for indemnification claims under the merger agreement. Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity Deposit in Stockholder Representative Expense Fund Amount deposited in a stockholder representative expense fund Represents the portion of the purchase consideration deposited in a stockholder representative expense fund. Represents the percentage of escrow fund disbursed to the former holders of the acquiree's capital stock, vested options and warrants. Business Acquisition, Percentage of Escrow Deposit Disbursed to Former Holders of Acquiree Capital Stock Vested Options and Warrants Percentage of escrow fund disbursed to the former holders of the acquiree's capital stock, vested options and warrants Cash and Stock Option Incentive Plan Requisite Service Period Estimated period over which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the cash and equity-based incentive plan award. Performance period of plan (in years) Represents the amount of cash incentive available for employees over the performance period of incentive plan. Cash and Stock Option Incentive Plan Cash Incentive Available Total available cash incentive Cash and Stock Option Incentive Plan Cash Incentive Paid to Date Cash incentive paid Represents the cumulative amount of cash incentive available for employees over the performance period of incentive plan which has been paid. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred tax liability, net Represents the amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to deferred tax liabilities, net. Disposal Group Period for which Entity Continues to Manufacture and Sell Products under Contractual Arrangement Period for which the company will continue to manufacture and sell 3Dconnexion products (in years) Represents the period for which the entity continues to manufacture and sell products as per the contractual agreement. Employee Termination Contract Termination and Other Associated Costs [Member] Employee termination, contract termination and other associated costs Represents information pertaining to employee termination, contract termination and other associated costs associated with the exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a plan. Future Rent Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of future rent obligations Represents the fair value of future rent obligations related to the company's former Americas headquarters. Number of Major Categories Number of major categories of programs Represents the number of major categories of programs. Allowance for Co-operative Marketing Arrangements [Member] Allowances for cooperative marketing arrangements Represents details pertaining to cooperative marketing arrangements. Allowance for Customer Incentive Programs [Member] Allowances for customer incentive programs Represents details pertaining to customer incentive programs. Allowance for Pricing Programs [Member] Allowances for pricing programs Represents details pertaining to pricing programs. Type of Asset Accounts [Axis] Information by different type of accounts. Type of Asset Accounts [Domain] Information of type of accounts. Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accrued liabilities: Contra Asset Accounts [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Contra Asset Accounts. Contra Asset Accounts Revisions to Contra Asset Accounts [Member] Revisions to Contra Asset Accounts Represents the information pertaining to Revisions to Contra Asset Accounts. Adjustment for Direct Customer Amounts Not Previously Included in Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Member] Direct customer amounts not previously included in Schedule II Represents the correction of error by the effect of direct customer amounts not previously included in valuations and qualifying accounts. Adjustment for Indirect Customer Amounts Incorrectly Included in Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Member] Indirect customer amounts incorrectly included in Schedule II Represents the correction of error by the effect of indirect customer amounts incorrectly included in valuations and qualifying accounts. Adjustment for Computational Error [Member] Computational error Represents the correction of error by eliminating the effect of computational error. Adjustment for Customer Incentive Program Activity Previously Included in Pricing Programs [Member] Customer incentive program activity previously included in pricing program Represents the correction of error the effect of customer incentive program activity previously included in pricing program. Adjustment for Customer Incentive Program Activity Incorrectly Subtracted from Amount Previously Reported Adjustment for customer incentive program activity incorrectly subtracted from amount previously reported Represents the adjustment for customer incentive program activity incorrectly subtracted from amount previously reported in the qualifying and valuation account. Write-offs charged to (recovered against) allowance Total of the deductions in a given period to allowances and reserves and recoveries of amounts due to the Entity that had been previously written off as uncollectible. Valuation Allowances and Reserves Deductions Recoveries Write-offs Net of Recoveries Reduction during the period in the allowance for doubtful accounts for receivables written off as uncollectible, net of recoveries of amounts that were previously written off. Write-offs net of recoveries Mutual Funds [Member] Mutual funds Represents information pertaining to the type of professionally-managed collective investment scheme that pools money from many investors to purchase securities. Asset Impairment [Member] Asset Impairments Represents the information pertaining to the write down of fixed assets which were not placed in service due to the abandonment of the related projects. Restructuring Plan 2012 [Member] Restructuring Plan 2012 Represents information pertaining to the 2012 restructuring plan. Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Income taxes payable - non-current Charges Related to Reduction in Complexity and Number of Products in Entitys Product Portfolio Charges related to reduction in complexity and number of products in entity's product portfolio Represents the charges related to the reduction in complexity and number of products in the entity's product portfolio which are included in Cost of Goods Sold in the consolidated statements of income. United States UNITED STATES Estimated Additional Restructuring Charges Current Fiscal Year before Tax Expected additional pre-tax restructuring charges The expected additional before tax restructuring charges within the current fiscal year, associated with the employee termination costs, contract termination costs, and other associated costs. Restructuring Charges Related to Assets Charges against assets Represents the amount charged against assets in the period for incurred and estimated costs associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding asset retirement obligations. Restructuring Charges Other Other Represents the amount of other charges which primarily consist of pension curtailment and settlement costs which are reflected in other charges. Pension Curtailment and Settlement Costs Pension curtailment and settlement costs Represents the amount of pension curtailment and settlement costs which are reflected in other charges. Represents the amount of change in deferred tax assets and retained earnings related to the vesting of unexercized non-qualified stock options during the period. Employee Service, Share-based Compensation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets and Retained Earnings on Vesting of Stock Options Reduction in deferred tax assets and decrease to retained earnings related to vested unexercised non-qualified stock options Represents the conditions under which stock options granted to each active, full-time employee of the company on record at a specific date will vest. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Award, Vesting Period Terms Terms under which the premium-priced stock options grant will vest Accrued Restructuring Costs, Current Accrued restructuring Represents the carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for the restructuring. Accrued Customer Incentive Program Current Indirect customer incentive program accruals Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for customer incentive program. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Income Tax Benefit Associated with Restructuring Tax benefit associated with the restructuring Represents the amount of income tax benefit associated with restructuring charges. Deferred Tax Asset, Adjustment Related to Share Based Compensation Expense Represents equity impact of deferred tax asset adjustment related to share-based compensation expense during the reporting period. Deferred tax asset adjustment related to share-based compensation expense Allocated Share Based Compensation Expense Reduction Represents the reduction of 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 due to forfeitures and cancellations of awards. Share-based compensation expense reduction due to employee termination Other Investments [Roll Forward] Other Investments Payments to Acquire Cost Method Investments Purchase of investment Represents the cash outflow associated with the purchase of or advances to an equity method investments. Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense After Year Four Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized after the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Future amortization expense, thereafter Accrued Income Taxes, Current Income taxes payable - current Accrued Marketing Costs, Current Accrued marketing expenses Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities Accrued royalties Accrued Royalties, Current Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Cumulative translation adjustment Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Pension liability adjustments, net of tax of $752 and $752 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Net deferred hedging losses Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrealized gain on investments Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Less: accumulated depreciation Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Other intangible assets Intangible Assets with Finite Lives Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Reclass negative APIC related to Treasury share accounting Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Adjustments for Error Correction [Domain] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Tax benefit from exercise of stock options Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Share-based compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Advertising Expense Advertising costs charged to marketing and selling expenses Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Advertising Costs Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax Share-based compensation expense, net of income tax Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Share-based compensation expense Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Allowance for Sales Returns [Member] Allowance for sales return Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Current [Member] Allowance for doubtful accounts Amortization of other intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization expense for other intangible assets Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Anti-dilutive share equivalents excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share Asset retirement obligations, beginning of period Asset Retirement Obligation Asset retirement obligations, end of period Accretion expense Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Foreign currency translation Asset Retirement Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Liabilities incurred Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Changes to the asset retirement obligation liability Liabilities settled Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Revisions Assets Held-in-trust Cash held by the Rabbi Trust Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Total assets at fair value Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Total current assets Assets, Current Total assets Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Non-current assets: Auction Rate Securities [Member] Auction rate securities Auction Market Preferred Securities, Stock Series, Rate Setting Interval Number of days for reset of interest rates on auction rate securities Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Available-for-sale securities Reversal of unrealized gains previously recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss) Gain on sale of available-for-sale securities Gain on sale of available-for-sale securities Proceeds on sale of securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains (Losses), Sale Proceeds Average Remaining Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives Average maturity Balance Sheet Components Bank Time Deposits [Member] Time deposits Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Plant, buildings and improvements Building [Member] Plant and buildings Buildings and Improvements, Gross Plant, buildings and improvements Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Net income per share - basic Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Unaudited pro forma financial information Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Intangible Assets Not Amortizable In-process research and development Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Goodwill acquired Net sales Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of unaudited pro forma financial information Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract] Allocation of total consideration to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Net income Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Number of entity's shares for awards assumed Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed Liabilities assumed Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Net income per share - diluted Acquisitions and Divestitures Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets Identifiable intangible assets acquired Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Deferred Taxes Asset (Liability), Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax asset, net Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired Assets acquired Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Transaction Costs Transaction costs Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Fair value of stock options assumed that is a part of the consideration paid Business Acquisition [Line Items] Acquisitions and Divestitures Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Tangible assets acquired Debt assumed Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Charges related to discontinuance of certain product development Business Exit Costs Total consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Cost-method Investments [Member] Cost method investments Net increase (decrease) in accrued purchases of property and equipment Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Capitalized Computer Software, Gross Computer software Cash [Member] Cash Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash acquired Cash Acquired from Acquisition Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash and cash equivalents Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedges Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Collateralized debt obligations Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies. Registered shares Common Stock [Member] Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Shares, issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, Value, Outstanding Shares, par value CHF 0.25 - 191,606 issued and authorized and 50,000 conditionally authorized at September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012 Shares, par value (in CHF per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Shares, authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Cash dividend per share: (in dollars per share) Cash dividend per share Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] Employee Benefit Plans Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Deferred income tax assets and liabilities Total comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Total comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income [Member] Computer Equipment [Member] Computer equipment Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk, Percentage Percentage of benchmark derived from specified source Basis of Presentation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Construction in Progress [Member] Construction-in-progress Construction in Progress, Gross Construction-in-progress Contract Termination [Member] Contract Termination Costs Cost of goods sold Cost of Sales [Member] Cost of goods sold Cost of Goods and Services Sold Other Investments Other investments, beginning balance Other investments, ending balance Cost-method Investments, Aggregate Carrying Amount Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Concentration Risk [Member] Credit concentration Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current: Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Non-Swiss Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Swiss Customer Concentration Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Customer Contracts [Member] Customer contracts Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Financing Arrangements Financing Arrangements Debt Issuance Cost Non-recurring commitment and legal fees Debt Securities [Member] Debt securities Deferred Tax Assets, Property, Plant and Equipment Depreciation and amortization Deferred Compensation Arrangements [Abstract] Deferred Compensation Plan Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net [Abstract] Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Swiss Deferred Rent Credit, Noncurrent Deferred rent Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Deferred: Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Non-Swiss Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Gross deferred tax liabilities Deferred income taxes and other Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Gross deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net Net deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Deferred taxes Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards Capital loss carryforwards Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Net operating loss carryforwards Reduction in deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Restructuring Charges Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Accruals Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Tax credit carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Share-based compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Deferred taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Valuation allowance Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets Acquired intangible assets Deferred Compensation Liability, Classified, Noncurrent Obligation for deferred compensation Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements Settlement cost Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Changes in the fair value of defined benefit pension plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Current Assets Current assets Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Net liability Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligation Estimated rate of compensation increase (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of net prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three 2015 Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Changes in projected benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Estimated rate of compensation increase (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of net prior service costs Defined Benefit Plan, Administration Expenses Administrative expenses paid Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Recognized net actuarial loss Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year [Abstract] Accumulated other comprehensive loss which are expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in the next fiscal year Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses) Amortization of net actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two 2014 Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Expected average rate of return on plan assets (as a percent) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Transition Assets (Obligations), before Tax Amortization of net transition obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five 2017 Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Employer contributions Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax Net actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract] Amounts recognized on the balance sheet Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Transition Asset (Obligation) Amortization of net transition obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four 2016 Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), after Tax [Abstract] Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income related to defined benefit pension plans Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months 2013 Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Employee Share Purchase Plans and Stock Incentive Plans Defined benefit plans Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants Plan participant contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year Projected benefit obligation, end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Transition Obligations (Assets) Amortization of net transition obligation Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year Total Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Thereafter Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Actuarial assumptions for the benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Benefit payments that the Company expects the plans to pay Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation Settlement Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Plan Assets Settlement Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Plan Assets Foreign currency exchange rate changes Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Plan assets allocation (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]