Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) - Summary of Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ 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
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 48,085	$ 53,227	$ 52,941	$ 46,027	$ 51,394	$ 48,664	$ 56,119	$ 64,017	$ 200,280	$ 220,194	$ 225,731
Gross margin	21,499	25,923	24,471	19,316	22,831	21,286	26,510	28,891	91,209	99,518	97,120
Consolidated net income (loss)	(2,686)	2,351	(550)	(5,376)	(1,663)	2,609	771	3,442	(6,261)	5,159	(14,070)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	2	15	(6)	(25)	89	106	(34)	71	(14)	232	(183)
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)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Vicor Corporation:
Basic and diluted	$ (0.07)	$ 0.06	$ (0.01)	$ (0.14)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.06	$ 0.02	$ 0.09	$ (0.16)	$ 0.13