Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, net Accrual for recall costs. Accrual For Recall Costs Accrual for recall costs Accrued Bonuses, Current Accrued payroll and other employee costs Accrued Liabilities, Current Other accrued liabilities Total other accrued liabilities Accrued Marketing Costs, Current Ending balance Beginning balance Accrued material purchases. Accrued Material Purchases Accrued material purchases Accrued research and development costs. Accrued Research And Development Costs Accrued research and development costs Accrued Royalties Ending balance Beginning balance Royalties Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Less: accumulated depreciation Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrealized loss on investments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Cumulative translation adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated other comprehensive loss: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital [Member] Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Share-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Recorded share-based compensation expense Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Summary of Change in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Ending balance Beginning balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Period Increase (Decrease) Reversal of expense Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-offs Charge-offs Allowance for Sales Returns [Member] Allowance for Sales Returns [Member] Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Amortization of discount Amortization of discount on convertible senior notes Amortization of Financing Costs Amortization of deferred financing costs Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of intangible assets Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Anti-dilutive securities excluded Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Asset Impairment Charges Impairment of fixed assets Impairment charge Impairment charges Assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Current assets: Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Gross Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss Available-for-sale investments in a continuous loss position for more than twelve months Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Aggregate Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Current Short-term investments Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Noncurrent Long-term investments Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Summary of Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Investments Award. Award [Member] 2012 Plan Award [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of Presentation Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Change in fair value Change in fair value of contingent consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Ending balance Beginning balance Contingent consideration Contingent liabilities - See Note 4 Reported Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF PERIOD CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - BEGINNING OF PERIOD Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments Cash, cash equivalents and investments Certificates of Deposit [Member] Certificates of Deposit [Member] Change In Fair Value Of Royalties Payment Obligation Change In Fair Value Of Royalties Payment Obligation Change in fair value Change In Fair Value Of Royalties Payment Obligation [Table Text Block] Change In Fair Value Of Royalties Payment Obligation [Table Text Block] Summary of Change in Fair Value of Royalties as Determined by Level 3 Inputs CircuLite. CircuLite [Member] CircuLite [Member] Closing price. Closing Price Closing price Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies - See Note 12 Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies. Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Contingencies Commitments and contingencies. Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Shares reserved in connection with future contingent milestone payments Common Stock [Member] Common Shares [Member] Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Shares, par value Common stock, par value Common stock reserved for issuance under 2012 incentive award plan. Common Stock Reserved For Issuance Under Two Thousand Twelve Incentive Award Plan Common stock reserved for issuance under 2012 incentive award plan Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock - $.001 par value; 25,000 shares authorized; 17,245 and 17,156 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive loss Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Contingent Consideration Liability [Member] Contingent Consideration Liability [Member] Contingent Consideration [Member] Contingently issuable shares. Contingently Issuable Shares Contingent right to receive share of common stock Contingent milestone payments aggregate amount. Contingent Milestone Payments Aggregate Amount Aggregate milestone payments Contract Termination Fees Contract Termination Fees Contract termination fee Contract Termination [Member] Contract [Member] Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures Fair value of Convertible Notes Convertible Debt Securities [Member] Convertible Promissory Notes [Member] Convertible Notes Payable, Noncurrent Convertible senior notes Net carrying amount Convertible senior notes, net Convertible notes convertible into common stock conversion rate. Convertible Notes Convertible Into Common Stock Conversion Rate Conversion of shares Convertible Notes Payable [Member] Convertible Notes Payable [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Corporate Debt [Member] Cost of Goods and Services Sold Cost of revenue Cost of Sales [Member] Cost of Revenues [Member] Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] GERMANY Germany [Member] Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount Convertible value of instrument for convertible debt Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued Number of shares issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Debt Instrument, Convertible, Beneficial Conversion Feature Principal amount of Convertible Notes Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component Equity component Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Initial conversion price Debt Instrument, Face Amount Aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes Principal amount Debt Instrument Fair Value Carrying Value [Abstract] Debt Instrument Fair Value Carrying Value [Abstract] Debt Instrument Fair Value Carrying Value [Abstract] Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Effective interest rate on debt borrowing Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Coupon rate Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Maturity of convertible and promissory notes Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Unamortized discount Deferred Finance Costs, Net Deferred financing costs, net Depreciation Depreciation of property, plant and equipment Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Discounted Cash Flow [Member] Discounted Cash Flow [Member] Discounted Cash Flow [Member] Document and entity information. Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Net loss per common share - basic and diluted Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Net Loss Per Share Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued payroll and other employee costs Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Expected weighted average period of recognition for Unrecognized Share-based compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested option awards Employee Severance [Member] Severance and Related [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Stock Option [Member] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value [Member] Facility Closing [Member] Facility Closing [Member] Facility Leases [Member] Facility Leases [Member] Facility Leases [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate Discount rate Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items] Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items] Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Table] Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Table] Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of Quantitative Information for Level 3 Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Inputs, Probability of Default Probability of occurrence Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Transfers Between Levels Fair Value Measurements Transfers Between Levels Transfer between level 1, Level 2, Level3 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Less: Accumulated amortization Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Additional acquired technology rights Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Other intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Other intangible assets, net Other intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Estimated useful lives Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Foreign exchange (loss) gain Full value award. Full Value Award [Member] Full Value Awards [Member] Goodwill Ending balance Beginning balance Goodwill Goodwill, Acquired During Period Additions Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill, In-Process Research and Development and Other Intangible Assets, Net Goodwill, Impairment Loss Impairment Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Foreign currency translation impact Gross Profit Gross profit Income Approach Valuation [Member] Income Approach Valuation [Member] Probability Weighted Income Approach [Member] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Loss before income taxes Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net Accrued interest on convertible senior notes Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Change in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Other Accrued Liabilities Other accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Security Deposits Cash received from security deposits Intangible liability disclosure. Intangible Liability Disclosure [Abstract] Intangible Liability Disclosure [Abstract] Interest Expense, Debt Interest expense Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization Stated amount at 3.5% coupon rate Interest Expense, Long-term Debt Convertible Notes interest expense, Net Interest expense related to convertible notes. Interest Expense Related To Convertible Notes Table [Text Block] Summary of Interest Expense Related to Convertible Notes International excluding Germany. International Excluding Germany [Member] International, Excluding Germany [Member] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross Finished goods Inventory, Net Inventories Inventory, total Inventory on consignment Inventory On Consignment Inventory held on consignment Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross Raw material Inventory Recall Expense Recall costs incurred during the period Inventory, Work in Process, Gross Work-in-process Investment Income, Amortization of Premium Amortization of premium on investments Investment Income, Nonoperating Investment income, net Investment Interest Rate Long-term investment, interest rate Investment Maturity Date Long-term investment, maturity date Investment maturity date description. Investment Maturity Date Description Investment maturity date description Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Long-Term Investment Investments and Other Noncurrent Assets Long-term investment, amount Long-term investments and other assets Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Investments Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Lease exit adjustments. Lease Exit Adjustments Adjustments Lease Exit Charge Liability Lease Exit Charge Liability Ending balance Beginning balance Lease exit costs Lease Exit Cost [Member] Lease Exit Cost [Member] Lease Exit Costs [Member] Lease Exit Payments Lease Exit Payments Payments Lease Expiration Month Year Lease Expiration Month Year Lease expiration period Lease Expiration Term Lease Expiration Term Lease expiration year Leaseholds and Leasehold Improvements [Member] Leasehold Improvements [Member] Lease Liability Lease Liability Lease liability Lease Obligations Fair Value Lease Obligations Fair Value Change in fair value Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liquidity. Liquidity [Abstract] Liquidity [Abstract] Liquidity. Liquidity Disclosures [Text Block] Liquidity Long term investments. Long Term Investments [Member] Long-term Investments [Member] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount Purchase order commitments Long-term Purchase Commitment, Description Purchase order commitments Machinery and Equipment [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Maturity of limited warranty. Maturity Of Limited Warranty Maturity of limited warranty Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum receiving period of purchase order commitments. Maximum Receiving Period Of Purchase Order Commitments Maximum period for purchase order commitments Milestone Payment Due Period Milestone Payment Due Period Performance milestone payment term Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in operating activities Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net loss Net loss New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Standards Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other income (expense): Number of customers exceeding ten percent of sales. Number Of Customers Exceeding Ten Percent Of Sales Number of customers exceeding ten percent of sales Number of individual investment securities in unrealized loss position. Number Of Individual Investment Securities In Unrealized Loss Position Number of individual investment securities in unrealized loss position Number of major customers. Number Of Major Customers Number of customers having account receivable balance Number of Reportable Segments Number of reportable segments Office Equipment And Software [Member] Office Equipment And Software [Member] Office Equipment And Software [Member] Office equipment, furniture and fixtures. Office Equipment Furniture And Fixtures [Member] Office Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Operating Expenses Total operating expenses Operating Expenses [Abstract] Operating expenses: Operating Income (Loss) Loss from operations Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Remaining lease payments Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Other accrued expenses Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized (loss) gain on investments Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other, net Patents [Member] Patents [Member] Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Payable semi annually in arrear. Payable Semi Annually In Arrear Payable semi-annually in arrear Payments for Restructuring Payments Payments Of Contingent Consideration Liabilities Payments Of Contingent Consideration Liabilities Payments Payments Of Royalties Obligation Payments Of Royalties Obligation Payments Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Additions to patents Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Additions to property, plant and equipment, net Percentage of account receivables by customers. Percentage Of Account Receivables By Customers Percentage of account receivables by customers Percentage of minimum product sales. Percentage Of Minimum Product Sales Percentage of minimum product sales Period for royalty payment obligations. Period For Royalty Payment Obligations Period for royalty payment obligations Period in Which Milestone Payment Expected To Be Paid Period in Which Milestone Payment Expected To Be Paid Milestone dates Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Preferred Stock Investment [Member] Preferred Stock Investment [Member] Preferred Stock Investment [Member] Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock - $.001 par value; 5,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Principal amount of convertible notes part of owners. Principal Amount Of Convertible Notes Part Of Owner Principal amount of Convertible Notes part of owners Principal amount of the convertible notes part of repurchase price. Principal Amount Of Convertible Notes Part Of Repurchase Price Principal amount of the Convertible Notes part of repurchase price Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities Maturities of investments Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Cash received from options exercised Proceeds from exercise of stock options Product Warranty Accrual, Current Ending balance Beginning balance Accrued warranty Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued Accrual for warranty expense Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, plant and equipment, net Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives Purchased intangible assets. Purchased Intangible Assets [Abstract] Purchased intangible assets Purchased intangible asset. Purchased Intangible Assets Member Purchased Intangible Assets [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Realized gains (losses) on investments Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable Regulatory assets. Regulatory Assets [Abstract] Regulatory Assets [Abstract] Research and Development Expense Research and development Research and Development Expense [Member] Research and Development [Member] Research and developments in process. Research And Developments In Process Carrying value of in-process research and development assets In-process research and development Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restructuring Charges Restructuring charges Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment Adjustments to estimated obligations Restructuring Reserve Changes In Estimates Restructuring Reserve Changes In Estimates Change in fair value Restructuring Reserve, Current Ending balance Beginning balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Deficit [Member] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Royalties [Member] Royalties [Member] Royalties [Member] Revenue, Net Revenue, net Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Summary of Other Accrued Liabilities Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Anti-Dilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions by Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Table Text Block] Summary of Change in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration as Determined by Level 3 Inputs Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Summary of Convertible Notes and Equity Component Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Allocation of Share-Based Compensation Expense Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Summary of Other Intangible Assets Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life. Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life Table [Text Block] Estimated Useful Lives of Intangible Assets Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Summary of Carrying Amount of Goodwill and Change in Balance Schedule of in process research and development assets carrying amount. Schedule of In Process Research and Development Assets Carrying Amount [Table Text Block] Summary of Carrying Value of In-Process Research and Development Assets Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Components of Inventories Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Summary of Changes in Warranty Liability Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Summary of Changes in Accrued Restructuring Costs Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Product Sales by Geographic Location Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of RSU's Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of Options Granted under All Plans Schedule of stockholders equity. Schedule Of Stockholders Equity [Line Items] Schedule Of Stockholders Equity [Line Items] Schedule of Stockholders' Equity Note, Warrants or Rights [Table Text Block] Summary of Changes in Product Recall Liability Schedule of stockholders equity. Schedule Of Stockholders Equity [Table] Schedule Of Stockholders Equity [Table] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Business Segment, Geographic Areas and Major Customers Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Selling, General and Administrative [Member] Severance Costs Aggregate severance costs Share-based Compensation Share-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Performance based option vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding Outstanding, Ending Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested Restricted stock units vested intrinsic value Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options expired in period. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Expired In Period Expired Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant date fair value per share other than option Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Outstanding, Ending Balance Outstanding, Beginning Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms Outstanding, Ending Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Common stock upon the vesting of restricted stock units Vested/Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Option expiry period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number RSU's outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted Average Exercise Price Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options aggregate intrinsic value. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Exercisable, Ending Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Exercisable, Ending Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable, Ending Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Aggregate Intrinsic value options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Expired Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Granted Stock options issued Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Outstanding, Ending Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Outstanding, Ending Balance Outstanding, Beginning Balance Stock options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Number of Options Number of Restricted Stock Units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, Ending Balance Outstanding, Beginning Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding, Ending Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable, Ending Balance Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options weighted average remaining contractual term. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract] Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Expired Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted Shares, Issued Ending balance, Shares Beginning balance, Shares Shares registered for future issuance Shares Registered For Future Issuance Shares registered for issuance for acquisition Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Investments [Member] Short-term Investments [Member] Software and Software Development Costs [Member] Software and Software Development Costs [Member] Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accrued Warranty Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Ending balance Beginning balance Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Development Stage Entities, Stock Issued, Shares, Issued for Noncash Consideration Common stock issued to settle liability Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Issuance of common stock pursuant to share-based awards, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Common stock issued upon the exercise of stock options Share issued upon vesting of Awards Exercised Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Issuance of common stock pursuant to share-based awards Sublease Rate Sublease Rate Sublease rate Sublease Term Commenced Start Date Sublease Term Commenced Start Date Sublease start date Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Summary of Investments, by Type [Domain] Summary of Investments, by Type [Domain] Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, by Type [Axis] Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, by Type [Axis] Tabular disclosure of summary of lease exit accruals. Summary Of Lease Exit Accruals Table [Text Block] Summary of Change in Fair Value of Lease Exit Costs as Determined by Level 3 Inputs Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures [Text Block] Balance Sheet Information Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] Acquired Technology Rights [Member] Text Block [Abstract] Text Block [Abstract] Trade Names [Member] Trade names [Member] Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] UNITED STATES United States [Member] Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting Estimates US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] U.S. Government Agency Debt [Member] Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Allowance for returns Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Domain] Valuation Technique [Domain] Warranty cost. Warranty Cost Warranty costs incurred during the period Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted World heart. World Heart [Member] World Heart Corporation [Member]