Details of Finite-lived Intangible Assets by Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 8,385
Accumulated Amortization	(3,205)	(2,887)
Net Carrying Amount	5,180
Equipment
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	7,170
Accumulated Amortization	(2,551)
Net Carrying Amount	4,619
Intevac Photonics
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,215
Accumulated Amortization	(654)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 561

Accumulated amount of amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (a)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16323-109275

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- Definition

Amount before amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life.

+ References

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- Definition

Amount after amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life.

+ References

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