Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income (loss)		$ 13,048	$ 38	$ 24,939	$ (1,361)
Foreign currency translation (losses) gains, net of tax	[1]	(156)	(16)	(129)	88
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	[1]	30	31	82	82
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(126)	15	(47)	170
Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)		12,922	53	24,892	(1,191)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest		25	47	115	89
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vicor Corporation		$ 12,897	$ 6	$ 24,777	$ (1,280)

[1] The deferred tax assets associated with cumulative foreign currency translation gains and cumulative unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities are completely offset by a tax valuation allowance as of September 30, 2018 and 2017. Therefore, there is no income tax benefit (provision) recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.