Commitments and contingencies (Details Textuals) (Bell Microproducts Inc [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013
Bell Microproducts Inc [Member]
Loss Contingency, Estimate [Abstract]
Loss contingency, estimate of possible loss	$ 10,000
Loss contingency, range of possible loss, maximum	$ 73,000

Reflects the estimated amount of loss from the specified contingency as of the balance sheet date.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496072&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 9

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496072&loc=d3e14557-108349

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimateOfPossibleLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant