Segment Data - Summary of Operational Information Relative to the Company's Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product sales	$ 35,513	$ 30,183
Service revenue	672	251
Net sales	36,185	30,434
Cost of products sold	13,574	11,405
Cost of services delivered	403	578
Gross margin	22,208	18,451
Sales, general & administrative	13,746	11,181
Research & development	3,606	2,013
Income (loss) from operations	4,856	5,257
Purchases of property and equipment	799	383
Purchases of intangible assets	67	104
Depreciation and amortization	1,162	1,419
TASER Weapons [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product sales	32,475	28,003
Service revenue
Net sales	32,475	28,003
Cost of products sold	10,918	10,217
Cost of services delivered
Gross margin	21,557	17,786
Sales, general & administrative	11,289	10,073
Research & development	817	989
Income (loss) from operations	9,451	6,724
Purchases of property and equipment	697	254
Purchases of intangible assets	67	104
Depreciation and amortization	1,078	999
Evidence.com & Video [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product sales	3,038	2,180
Service revenue	672	251
Net sales	3,710	2,431
Cost of products sold	2,656	1,188
Cost of services delivered	403	578
Gross margin	651	665
Sales, general & administrative	2,457	1,108
Research & development	2,789	1,024
Income (loss) from operations	(4,595)	(1,467)
Purchases of property and equipment	102	129
Purchases of intangible assets
Depreciation and amortization	$ 84	$ 420