Defined Benefit Plans (Schedule of Maxwell SA Net Pension Cost )(Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Schedule of net periodic pension cost
Service cost	$ 309	$ 245
Interest cost	58	57
Expected return on plan assets	(322)	(252)
Prior service cost amortization	24	39
Net pension cost	69	89
Swiss Pension Plan
Schedule of net periodic pension cost
Service cost			$ 630	$ 486
Interest cost			118	114
Expected return on plan assets			(656)	(499)
Prior service cost amortization			48	75
Net pension cost			140	176
Swiss Pension Plan | Cost recognized as a component of compensation cost
Schedule of net periodic pension cost
Net pension cost	309	245	630	486
Swiss Pension Plan | Net cost recognized in other components of defined benefit plans, net
Schedule of net periodic pension cost
Net pension cost	$ (240)	$ (156)	$ (490)	$ (310)