Income (loss) Per Share [Abstract] Income (loss) Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Interim Financial Statements [Abstract] Interim Financial Statements [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Biomedical Service Biomedical Service [Member] Biomedical Service [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Disposal Date Disposal Date Available-for-Sale Investments [Abstract] Available-for-Sale Investments [Abstract] Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Deferred compensation arrangement with individual, payment Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Payment The compensation paid during the period pertaining to the deferred compensation. Intangible and Other Assets [Abstract] Intangible and Other Assets [Abstract] Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Stock based Compensation and Stock Option Plan [Abstract] Stock based Compensation and Stock Option Plan [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Accounts Receivable and Advances on Contracts in Progress [Abstract] Accounts Receivable and Advances on Contracts in Progress [Abstract] Amounts billed Billed Contracts Receivable Accrued revenue Accrued Fees and Other Revenue Receivable Gross accounts receivable - trade Accounts Receivable, Gross Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Net accounts receivable - trade Accounts Receivable, Net Advances on contracts in progress Customer Advances, Current Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Comprehensive income (loss): Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Net loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract] Change in fair value of available for sale marketable securities, net of tax Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Total comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss attributable to common stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Inventories and Deferred Costs of Goods Sold [Abstract] Inventories and Deferred Costs of Goods Sold [Abstract] Inventory and Deferred Costs of Goods Sold [Text Block] Inventory and Deferred Costs of Goods Sold [Text Block] The entire disclousure for inventory. This may include, but is not limited to, the basis of stating inventory, the method of determining inventory cost, the major classes of inventory, and the nature of the cost elements included in inventory. If inventory is stated above cost, accrued net losses on firm purchase commitments for inventory and losses resulting from valuing inventory at lower-of-cost-or-market may also be included. For LIFO inventory, may disclose the amount and basis for determing the excess of replacement or current cost over stated LIFO value and the effects of a LIFO quantities liquidation that impacts net income. Deferred costs of goods sold represents costs on equipment that has shipped to the customer and title has passed. Costs is deferred until related revenue is recognized Variable Interest Entity [Abstract] Variable Interest Entity [Abstract] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Operating Segments and Related Information [Abstract] Operating Segments and Related Information [Abstract] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States UNITED STATES Europe / Africa Europe / Africa [Member] Europe / Africa [Member] Asia Asia [Member] Rest of the World Rest of the World [Member] Rest of the World [Member] Net sales and revenues Revenues Revenue, Percentage Revenue, Percentage The percentage of net revenue in this arear to total net revenue Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract] Net sales and revenues Revenue, Net [Abstract] Sales of goods Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Contract research and service revenues Sales Revenue, Services, Net Total net sales and revenues Revenue, Net Cost of sales and revenues Cost of Goods and Services Sold [Abstract] Cost of goods sold Cost of Goods Sold Cost of contract research and services Cost of Services Total cost of sales and revenues Cost of Goods and Services Sold Gross margin Gross Profit Operating expenses Operating Expenses [Abstract] Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Internal research and development expenses Research and Development Expense Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Loss from operations Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense, net Interest Expense Foreign exchange loss Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Total other expense, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss from operations before income tax provision Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net loss Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net loss attributable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Basic and diluted loss per share Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding – basic and diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Available-for-sale investments, at quoted market value (cost of $2,276 and $3,142 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively) Available-for-sale Securities, Current Accounts receivable – trade, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventories, net Inventory, Net Deferred cost of goods sold Deferred Costs, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Intangible and other assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current portion of capital lease obligation Capital Lease Obligations, Current Revolving lines of credit Line of Credit, Current Current portion of term loan Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Advances on contracts in progress Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred compensation Deferred Compensation Liability, Current Liabilities of discontinued operations Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term portion of term loan Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Stockholders’ deficit Equity [Abstract] Common stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 9,207,874 shares issued and outstanding on March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total Spire Corporation stockholders' deficit Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest in Variable Interest Entity Total stockholders’ deficit Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit Liabilities and Equity Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Estimated Future Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets [Abstract] Disclosure - Estimated Future Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets [Abstract] 2014 remaining 9 months Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five 2020 and future Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Finite-lived intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Solar Solar [Member] Solar [Member] Major Customers [Axis] Customer [Axis] Name of Major Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Government contracts concentration risk Government Contracts Concentration Risk [Member] Customer A Customer A [Member] unnamed customer [Member] Customer C Customer C [Member] Unnamed Customer---Customer C [Member] Customer D Customer D [Member] Unnamed Customer ----Customer D [Member] Customer K Customer K [Member] unnamed Customer K [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Concentration risk, government contracts Concentration Risk, Government Contracts Concentration risk, percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage The number of major customers that account for 10% or greater of the company's revenue The Number of Major Customers That Account for 10% or Greater of the Company's Revenue The number of major customers that account for 10% or greater of the company's revenue during the period. Disclosure Operating Segments and related information - additional information [Abstract] Disclosure Operating Segments and related information - additional information [Abstract] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] The number of customers that account for 10% or greater of the company's accounts receivables The Number Of Customers That Account for 10% or Greater of the Company's Accounts Receivables Number of customers that account for 10% or greater of the company's accounts receivables. Percentage of total trade receivables Percentage Of Total Trade Receivables Percentage of Total Trade Receivables Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Patents Patents [Member] Licenses Licensing Agreements [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Pending patent Pending Patent patent application is filed but has not been granted or abandoned by sepcified oranganization. Estimated pending patent expense at the balance sheet date. Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Description of the Business [Abstract] Description of the Business [Abstract] Description of the Business Nature of Operations [Text Block] Accounts Receivables and Advances on Contracts in Progress Accounts Receivables and Advances on Contracts in Progress [Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the various types of trade accounts and notes receivable and for each the gross carrying value, allowance, and net carrying value as of the balance sheet date. Presentation is categorized by current, noncurrent and unclassified receivables. Advances on contracts inprogress repressent contracts for which billings have been presented to the customer, as either deposits or progress payments against future shipments, but revenue has not been recognized Fair Value Disclosures Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] In money stock options In Money Stock Options [Member] In-the-money Stock Options. Underwater stock options Underwater Stock Options [Member] Underwater Stock Options. Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Inventory valuation reserves Inventory Valuation Reserves Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Net inventory Stock Option Plan Additional Information [Abstract] Stock Option Plan Additional Information [Abstract] Number of option plans Number of Optin Plans Number of Optin Plans Percentage of fair market value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Specific Employee Grants, Award Exercise Price as Percentage of Market Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Specific Employee Grants, Award Exercise Price as Percentage of Market Value Award contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Contractual Term The contractual life of stock based compensation awards. Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Intangible and Other Assets Intangible and Other Assets [Text Block] The entire disclosure for all or part of the information related to intangible assets and other assets Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type Categorization [Domain] Investments [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Equity Funds Equity Funds [Member] Debt Securities Debt Securities [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] Basic Materials Basic Material [Member] Common Stock Sector---Basic Material [Member] Consumer Goods consumer goods [Member] Common Stock Sector---consumer goods [Member] Energy Energy [Member] Energy [Member] Financial Financial [Member] Common Stock Sector---Financial [Member] Healthcare Healthcare [Member] Common Stock Sector---Healthcare [Member] Industrial Goods Industrial Goods [Member] Common Stock Sector---Industrial Goods [Member] Services Services [Member] Common Stock Sector---Services [Member] Technology Technology [Member] Common Stock Sector---Technology [Member] Transportation Transportation [Member] Transportation [Member] Utilities Utilities [Member] Common Stock Sector---Utilities [Member] Diversified Emerging Markets Diversified Emergency Market [Member] Mutual Fund - Diversified Emergency Market [Member] Precious Metals Fund Precious Metals [Member] Precious Metals [Member] Foreign Large Blend Foreign Large Blend [Member] Mutual Fund --- Foreign Large Blend [Member] Foreign Large Growth Foreign Large Growth [Member] Mutual Fund - Foreign Large Growth [Member] Large Growth Large Growth [Member] Mutual Fund--- Large Growth [Member] Small Blend Total Small Blend [Member] Mutual Fund ---- Small Blend [Member] Global High Yield Income Fund Global High Yield Income Fund [Member] Global High Yield Income Fund [Member] Domestic Domestic Corporate Debt Securities [Member] International Foreign Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Available-for-sale securities, fair value disclosure Available-for-sale Securities Percent of total available-for-sale investments Percent of Total Available-for-sale Investments Percent of Total Available-for-sale Investments Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] N2 Biomedical LLC N2 Biomedical LLC [Member] N2 Biomedical LLC [Member] Reference Rate Type [Axis] Reference Rate Type [Axis] Reference Rate Type [Axis] Rate Type1 [Domain] Rate Type1 [Domain] Rate Type Prime Rate Prime Rate [Member] Eligible Accounts [Axis] Eligible Accounts [Axis] Eligible Accounts [Axis] Eligible Account [Domain] Eligible Account [Domain] Eligible financial assets and liabilities (domain) Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Credit Agreement Credit Agreement [Member] Credit Agreement [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Ex-Im Facility Ex-Im Facility [Member] Export-Import Bank Loan and Security Agreement [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility, expiration date Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Line of credit facility, eligible percentage Line of Credit Facility, Eligible Percentage eligible percentage that satisfy the lender's criteria as specified in a loan agreement. Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Long-term debt Long-term Debt Debt instrument, maturity date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage rate range, minimum Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisitions by Unique Description [Axis] Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisitions by Unique Description [Axis] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Transaction [Domain] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Transaction [Domain] Convertible Debt Convertible Debt [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Business Divestiture, Sale Price Business Divestiture, Sale Price The purchase price of a portion of the company's business, for example a segment, division, branch or other business. Business Divestiture, Sale Price Allocation, Liabilities Assume Business Divestiture, Sale Price Allocation, Liabilities Assume The amount of liabilities assumed with the divestiture of a business unit. Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Deemed dividend Deemed dividend Deemed dividend Area of Real Estate Property Area of Real Estate Property Area of real estate property percent Area of real estate property percent Area of real estate property, percent rent per square foot for first year rent per square foot for first year rent per square foot for first year Rental rate increase on each annual anniversary Rental rate increase on each annual anniversary Rental rate increase on each annual anniversary Cost of shared services Cost of shared services The aggregate annual cost of shared services. Notes Payable and Credit Arrangements [Abstract] Notes Payable and Credit Arrangements [Abstract] Debt Disclosure Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Biomedical Biomedical [Member] Biomedical [Member] Income (loss) from operations Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Reclassification Out of AOCI) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Reclassification Out of AOCI) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Reclassification Out of AOCI) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Reclassification Out of AOCI) [Line Items] [Line Items] for Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Reclassification Out of AOCI) [Table] Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Deferred compensation Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Compensation Share-based compensation Share-based Compensation Provision for accounts receivable reserve Provision for Doubtful Accounts Provision for inventory reserve Inventory Write-down Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Deferred cost of goods sold Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Liabilities Deposits, prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Advances on contracts in progress Increase (Decrease) in Customer Advances Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchase of Property and Equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Additions to intangible and other assets Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Net cash provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Principal payments on capital lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Principal payments on term loan Repayments of Notes Payable Net payments on revolving lines of credit Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid Interest Paid Income Taxes Paid Income Tax Paid or Proceeds from Income Tax Refund The amount of cash paid during the current period to foreign, federal, state, and local authorities as taxes on income Or the amount of cash received during the period as refunds for the overpayment of taxes. Supplemental disclosure of non-cash flow information [Abstract] Supplemental disclosure of non-cash flow information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Liabilities settled with common stock Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount Segment Reporting Disclosure Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis] Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis] Segment, Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Segment, Continuing Operations Continuing Operations [Member] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Cost of contract research, services Cost of Contract Reserach and Services [Member] Cost of Contract Reserach and Services [Member] Cost of goods sold Cost of Goods, Total [Member] Administrative and selling Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Share-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, compensation costs not yet recognized, year two Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested awards, Compensation Costs Not yet Recognized, Year Two Amount of share-based compensation expense expected to be recognized during the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for equity-based awards madeto emploees under equity-based compensation awards that have yet to vest. Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee service share-based compensation, allocation of recognized period costs, capitalized amount Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical [Abstract] Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Available-for-sale investments, at quoted market value, cost Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Stockholders' Equity: Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Gain (loss) related to litigation settlement Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Revenues By Geography Revenues By Geography [Table Text Block] Disclosure of revenues by geographic locations. Number of Factories Which the Company's Equipment Has Been Installed Number of Factories Which the Company's Equipment Has Been Installed Number of factories which the Company's equipment has been installed accumulated from the beginning of our business Number of Countries Which the Company's equipment has been installed Number of Countries Which the Company's equipment has been installed Number of countries which the Company's equipment has been installed worldwide. Export Sales, Percentage Export Sales, Percentage Percentage of revenue generated outside of US. Operating Income (Loss) from continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of Inventories and Deferred Costs of Goods Sold [Table Text Block] Schedule of Inventories and Deferred Costs of Goods Sold [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of inventories and deferred costs of goods sold Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable trade, net Due from related parties Due from Related Parties Revolving line of credit Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Current portion of term loan Long-term portion of term loan Long-term note payable to related party Notes Payable, Related Parties, Noncurrent Stock Option Activity [Abstract] Stock Option Activity [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Stock Options Employee Stock Option [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Closing stock price per share Closing stock price per share Closing stock price per share Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Options outstanding, beginning balance, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Options Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Options Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Options Cancelled/expired Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Options outstanding, ending balance, shares Options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2014 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable And Vested Number The number of shares into which fully vested and exercisable stock options outstanding as of the balance-sheet date can be currently converted under the option plan. Options vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2014 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number Options available for future grant at March 31, 2014 Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Weighted-Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted-average exercise price, Beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted-average exercise price, granted Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted-average excercise price, exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted-average exercise price, cancelled/expired Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted-average exercise price, ending balance Weighted-average excercise price, exercisable at March 31, 2014 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable And Vested Weighted Average Exercise Price The weighted-average price as of the balance sheet date at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance on fully vested options outstanding and currently exercisable under the stock option plan. Weighted-average excercise price, vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2014 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) [Abstract] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract] Average remaining contractual life, ending balance (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Average remaining contractual life, exercisable (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Average remaining contractual life, vested and expected to vest at the end of period (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding at the ending period, intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable at the ending period, intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Aggregate instrinsic value, options vested and expected to vest at the end of period, intrinsic value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Expected To Vest Intrinsic Value At Period End Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Expected To Vest Intrinsic Value. Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, exercises in period, total intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, vested and expected to vest, outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, outstanding, expected to vest, weighted average remaining contractual life Share-based Compensation Arrangement be Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Expected to Vest, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life As of the balance sheet date, the weighted-average remaining contractual life for outstanding stock options that are expected to vest. Line of Credit Addition Information [Abstract] Line of Credit Addition Information [Abstract] Spire Corporation Spire Corporation [Member] Spire Corporation [Member] Line of credit facility, amount outstanding Line of credit facility, interest rate at period end Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Debt instrument, interest rate at period end Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Letters of credit outstanding, amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Other Assets [Abstract] Refundable deposits Deposit Assets Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income before reclassification Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Net current-period other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent