Property and equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property And Equipment Details
Production equipment	$ 3,078,000us-gaap_MachineryAndEquipmentGross	$ 2,943,000us-gaap_MachineryAndEquipmentGross
Leasehold improvements	494,000us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsGross	502,000us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsGross
Computer hardware and software/lab equipment	4,486,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOther	4,373,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOther
Office furniture and equipment	1,087,000us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesGross	1,100,000us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesGross
Property and equipment, gross	9,145,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross	8,918,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(8,251,000)	(7,853,000)
Property and equipment, net	$ 894,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet	$ 1,065,000us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet

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Amount of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization for physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services.

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Amount before accumulated depreciation of equipment commonly used in offices and stores that have no permanent connection to the structure of a building or utilities. Examples include, but are not limited to, desks, chairs, tables, and bookcases.

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Amount before accumulated depreciation of additions or improvements to assets held under a lease arrangement.

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Amount before accumulated depreciation of tangible personal property used to produce goods and services, including, but is not limited to, tools, dies and molds, computer and office equipment.

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Amount before accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, and furniture and fixtures.

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Amount after accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, and furniture and fixtures.

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Amount before accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of other physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale.

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