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Significant Accounting Policies - Computation of Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to Vicor Corporation	$ (3,674)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ (4,835)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ (5,378)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ (13,102)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ (932)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ (4,616)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ (4,990)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ (13,887)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ (23,640)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ (4,077)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Denominator:
Denominator for basic loss per share-weighted average shares								38,569	39,195	41,811
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options								0	0	0
Denominator for diluted loss per share - adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions								38,569	39,195	41,811
Basic loss per share								$ (0.36)us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic	$ (0.60)us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic	$ (0.10)us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic
Diluted loss per share								$ (0.36)us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted	$ (0.60)us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted	$ (0.10)us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted