Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 53,361	$ 46,865	$ 106,594	$ 88,811
Cost of revenues	30,699	28,404	61,140	53,743
Gross margin	22,662	18,461	45,454	35,068
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	17,033	15,455	35,013	29,342
Research and development	10,643	9,988	20,894	19,843
Severance charges				1,361
Total operating expenses	27,676	25,443	55,907	50,546
Loss from operations	(5,014)	(6,982)	(10,453)	(15,478)
Other income, net:
Total unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net	40	(14)	79	38
Portion of gains recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	(20)	(66)	(59)	(117)
Net credit gains (losses) recognized in earnings	20	(80)	20	(79)
Other income, net	62	26	92	40
Total other income, net	82	(54)	112	(39)
Loss before income taxes	(4,932)	(7,036)	(10,341)	(15,517)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(2,436)	17	(5,931)
Consolidated net loss	(4,932)	(4,600)	(10,358)	(9,586)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(97)	16	(145)	20
Net loss attributable to Vicor Corporation	$ (4,835)	$ (4,616)	$ (10,213)	$ (9,606)
Net loss per common share attributable to Vicor Corporation:
Basic	$ (0.13)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.24)
Diluted	$ (0.13)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.24)
Shares used to compute net loss per share attributable to Vicor Corporation:
Basic	38,542	38,538	38,541	39,852
Diluted	38,542	38,538	38,541	39,852