Segment Information and Foreign Operations, Revenue by products (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenue by product type [Abstract]
Net revenue	$ 18,603	$ 20,521	$ 22,831	$ 22,380	$ 18,927	$ 20,808	$ 25,153	$ 23,486	$ 85,335	$ 88,374	$ 104,121
GaAs Substrates [Member]
Revenue by product type [Abstract]
Net revenue									40,234	51,368	63,697
InP Substrates [Member]
Revenue by product type [Abstract]
Net revenue									7,128	6,024	5,182
Ge Substrates [Member]
Revenue by product type [Abstract]
Net revenue									16,962	8,734	11,635
Raw Materials And Other [Member]
Revenue by product type [Abstract]
Net revenue									21,011	22,248	23,607
Other [Member]
Revenue by product type [Abstract]
Net revenue									$ 85,335	$ 88,374	$ 104,121