Segment And Geographic Information - Schedule of Segment Revenues, Operating Expenses and Operating Loss (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Royalty and license fees	$ 32,225	$ 58,185	$ 58,940	$ 101,449
Past production payments	14,000	0	15,500	0
Product and service revenues	389	130	838	404
Total revenues	46,614	58,315	75,278	101,853
Total operating expenses	69,179	53,661	144,145	103,250
Total operating income (loss) from continuing operations	(22,565)	4,654	(68,867)	(1,397)
Intellectual Property Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Royalty and license fees	28,828	52,974	52,966	92,002
Past production payments	14,000	0	15,500	0
Product and service revenues	41	0	41	0
Total revenues	42,869	52,974	68,507	92,002
Total operating expenses	32,509	23,234	61,854	43,325
Total operating income (loss) from continuing operations	10,360	29,740	6,653	48,677
Digital Optics
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Royalty and license fees	3,397	5,211	5,974	9,447
Product and service revenues	348	130	797	404
Total revenues	3,745	5,341	6,771	9,851
Total operating expenses	21,444	18,655	54,581	35,588
Total operating income (loss) from continuing operations	(17,699)	(13,314)	(47,810)	(25,737)
Corporate Overhead
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total operating expenses	15,226	11,772	27,710	24,337
Total operating income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (15,226)	$ (11,772)	$ (27,710)	$ (24,337)