Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 07, 2010	Aug. 15, 2010
Information related to discontinued operations
Cost of sales			$ 35,281,000		$ 36,912,000
Gross profit			(35,281,000)		(36,912,000)
Total operating expenses (income)		(1,219,000)	24,417,000	(1,138,000)	30,823,000
Operating (loss) income		1,219,000	(59,698,000)	1,138,000	(67,735,000)
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax		807,000	(37,112,000)	757,000	(42,449,000)
CIGS Solar Systems Abandonment
Information related to discontinued operations
Inventory write-offs		33,400,000		33,400,000
Charges to settle contracts		11,100,000		11,100,000
Asset impairment charge		6,200,000		6,200,000
Cost of sales			35,281,000		36,912,000
Gross profit			(35,281,000)		(36,912,000)
Total operating expenses (income)		80,000	24,020,000	74,000	29,928,000
Operating (loss) income		(80,000)	(59,301,000)	(74,000)	(66,840,000)
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax		(53,000)	(37,106,000)	(49,000)	(42,002,000)
Metrology Segment Disposal
Information related to discontinued operations
Sale amount of discontinued operations as per the agreement								229,400,000
Working capital adjustment which is included in total proceeds							1,000,000
Proceeds from divestiture of businesses	230,400,000
Pre-tax deferred gain related to net assets in China		5,400,000		5,400,000		5,400,000	5,400,000
Gain on sale of assets of discontinued segment		1,400,000
Total operating expenses (income)		(1,299,000)	397,000	(1,212,000)	895,000
Operating (loss) income		1,299,000	(397,000)	1,212,000	(895,000)
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax		860,000	(6,000)	806,000	(447,000)
Assets
Amount of proceeds related to assets in China	$ 7,200,000