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, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 63,125	$ 70,772	$ 63,355	$ 65,725	$ 73,720	$ 78,035	$ 74,196	$ 65,269	$ 262,977	$ 291,220	$ 227,830
Gross margin	29,761	33,002	29,117	31,086	33,873	39,004	35,883	30,211	122,966	138,971	101,656
Consolidated net income	1,315	5,932	2,556	4,306	6,907	13,048	7,909	3,982	14,109	31,846	258
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	3	(5)	(7)	20	(3)	36	49	39	11	121	91
Net income attributable to Vicor Corporation	$ 1,312	$ 5,937	$ 2,563	$ 4,286	$ 6,910	$ 13,012	$ 7,860	$ 3,943	$ 14,098	$ 31,725	$ 167
Net income per share attributable to Vicor Corporation:
Basic	$ 0.03	$ 0.15	$ 0.06	$ 0.11	$ 0.17	$ 0.32	$ 0.20	$ 0.10	$ 0.35	$ 0.80	$ 0.00
Diluted	$ 0.03	$ 0.14	$ 0.06	$ 0.10	$ 0.17	$ 0.32	$ 0.19	$ 0.10	$ 0.34	$ 0.78	$ 0.00