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The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - The Company (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |  |  |
Percentage of pure gallium products produces by joint ventures (in hundredths) | 99.99% |  |
Foreign Currency Translation [Abstract] |  |  |
Foreign exchange transaction exchange gains (losses) | $ 717 | $ (999) | $ (1,253)
Joint Ventures [Member] | Minimum [Member] |  |  |
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |  |  |
Percentage of ownership, equity method (in hundredths) | 83.00% |  |
Joint Ventures [Member] | Maximum [Member] |  |  |
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |  |  |
Percentage of ownership, equity method (in hundredths) | 20.00% |  |
Majority-Owned Subsidiaries [Member] | Minimum [Member] |  |  |
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |  |  |
Percentage of ownership, equity method (in hundredths) | 20.00% |  |
Majority-Owned Subsidiaries [Member] | Maximum [Member] |  |  |
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |  |  |
Percentage of ownership, equity method (in hundredths) | 50.00% |  |

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