Borrowings (Debt outstanding - long-term) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 9,535				$ 5,499
Less current portion	(9,452)	(9,844)	(10,224)	(10,649)	(5,431)	(3,409)	(3,685)	(3,470)
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	83	25	35	47	68	2,292	2,504	2,282
Secured Debt [Member] | Equipment Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings					0
Financing Agreements [Member] | Maxwell SA auto leases [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings	$ 159				$ 164