Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income		$ 14,109	$ 31,846	$ 258
Foreign currency translation gains, net of tax benefit	[1]	33	98	83
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	[1]	(20)	(6)	6
Other comprehensive income		13	92	89
Consolidated comprehensive income		14,122	31,938	347
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest		13	129	97
Comprehensive income attributable to Vicor Corporation		$ 14,109	$ 31,809	$ 250

[1] The deferred tax assets associated with cumulative foreign currency translation gains and cumulative unrealized (losses) gains on available for sale securities are completely offset by a tax valuation allowance as of December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. Therefore, there is no income tax benefit (provision) recognized in any of the three years ended December 31, 2019.