Net Income (Loss) per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Vicor Corporation	$ (4,990)	$ 326
Denominator:
Denominator for basic income (loss) per share-weighted average shares (1)	41,167	41,811
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options (2)		15
Denominator for diluted income (loss) per share adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions	41,167	41,826
Computation of basic and diluted income per share
Basic income (loss) per share	$ (0.12)	$ 0.01
Diluted income (loss) per share	$ (0.12)	$ 0.01

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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