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Patents (Details) (USD $) | 6 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Jun. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] |  |  |
Patents, accumulated amortization | $ 139,327,000 |  | $ 112,323,000
Weighted average useful life of patents and patent rights | 6 years |  |
Investments in patents/ patent rights | 22,096,000 | 6,260,000 |
Patent acquisition costs included in accrued expenses | 3,000,000 | 8,508,000 |
Accelerated amortization expense - up-front payments | 312,000 | 612,000 |
Accelerated amortization expense (termination) | 2,702,000 | 956,000 |
Proceeds from patent sale | $ 3,500,000 |  |
Minimum [Member] |  |  |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] |  |  |
Useful life of patents and patent rights | 1 year |  |
Finite lived intangible asset acquired during the year, useful life | 4 years |  |
Maximum [Member] |  |  |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] |  |  |
Useful life of patents and patent rights | 10 years |  |
Finite lived intangible asset acquired during the year, useful life | 10 years |  |

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