Significant Accounting Policies - Computation Of Basic And Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Vicor Corporation	$ (2,688)	$ 2,336	$ (544)	$ (5,351)	$ (1,752)	$ 2,503	$ 805	$ 3,371	$ (6,247)	$ 4,927	$ (13,887)
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share-weighted average shares									38,842	38,754	38,569
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options										392
Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share - adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions									38,842	39,146	38,569
Basic net income (loss) per share									$ (0.16)	$ 0.13	$ (0.36)
Diluted net income (loss) per share									$ (0.16)	$ 0.13	$ (0.36)