Document

General and administrative

$ 7,498

$ 8,179

$ 8,061

$ 8,647

$ 9,590

$ 9,983

$ 9,363

$ 9,868

$ 32,385

^[1]

$ 38,804

^[1]

$ 38,730

^[1]

Cost of revenues:

Cost of Revenue

3,375

3,707

3,415

3,805

4,093

4,370

3,821

4,244

14,302

^[2]

16,528

^[2]

16,818

^[2]

Gross profit

4,123

4,472

4,646

4,842

5,497

5,613

5,542

5,624

18,083

22,276

21,912

Operating expenses:

Product development

2,119

1,963

1,985

2,193

2,341

2,454

2,340

2,612

8,260

^[2]

9,747

^[2]

9,510

^[2]

Sales and marketing

1,638

1,570

1,679

1,302

1,602

1,848

2,194

2,188

6,189

^[2]

7,832

^[2]

9,098

^[2]

1,782

2,087

2,197

2,011

1,694

2,547

2,187

2,821

8,077

^[2]

9,249

^[2]

13,734

^[2]

Goodwill impairment charges

5,698

Lease termination charges

3,337

Loss on write down of property, equipment and other

$ 4,409

4,409

Restructuring charges

286

391

Total operating expenses

5,825

5,620

5,861

5,506

11,335

6,849

10,058

7,621

22,812

35,863

37,142

Loss from operations

(1,702)

(1,148)

(1,215)

(664)

(5,838)

(1,236)

(4,516)

(1,997)

(4,729)

(13,587)

(15,230)

Interest and other income (expense), net

567

(57)

503

(205)

227

184

(458)

838

808

791

930

Interest expense on lease financing obligations

(2)

(5)

(128)

(252)

(387)

(1,100)

Loss before provision for income taxes

(1,135)

(1,205)

(712)

(869)

(5,613)

(1,057)

(5,102)

(1,411)

(3,921)

(13,183)

(15,400)

Income tax expense

102

(14)

(10)

182

211

Net loss from continuing operations

(4,103)

(13,233)

(15,611)

Net loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes(2)

^[2]

(9,250)

Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to non controlling interest, net of income taxes

535

Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders, net of income taxes

(8,715)

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent

$ (1,237)

$ (1,228)

$ (763)

$ (875)

$ (5,599)

$ (1,047)

$ (5,163)

$ (1,424)

$ (4,103)

$ (13,233)

$ (24,326)

Net income (loss) per share:

Basic and diluted net loss per share from continuing operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders

$ (0.28)

$ (0.17)

$ (0.20)

$ (1.27)

$ (0.24)

$ (1.17)

$ (0.32)

$ (0.93)

$ (3.00)

$ (3.59)

Basic and diluted net loss per share from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders

0.00

(2.00)

Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders

$ (0.93)

$ (3.00)

$ (5.59)

Shares used in computing net income (loss) per share:

Basic

4,432

4,431

4,420

4,417

4,416

4,413

4,406

4,395

4,425

4,409

4,350

Diluted

4,432

4,431

4,420

4,417

4,416

4,413

4,406

4,395

4,425

4,409

4,350

[1]	Includes related party amounts of $1,313, $4,909, and $2,993 in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. See Note 14 for additional information on related party transactions.
[2]	See Note 8 for summary of amounts included representing stock-based compensation expense.

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Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue from related parties	$ 1,313	$ 4,909	$ 2,993

XML 18 R6.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Consolidated Statements of Compehensive Loss - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Net loss from continuing operations

$ (4,103)

$ (13,233)

$ (15,611)

Net loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

^[1]

(9,250)

Net loss including non-controlling interest

(4,103)

(13,233)

(24,861)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

Foreign currency translation adjustment

(853)

(1,158)

(1,431)

Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities

(5)

(15)

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

(843)

(1,163)

(1,446)

Comprehensive loss

(4,946)

(14,396)

(26,307)

Less: comprehensive loss attributable to non controlling interest

(535)

Comprehensive loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders

$ (4,946)

$ (14,396)

$ (25,772)

[1]	See Note 8 for summary of amounts included representing stock-based compensation expense.

XML 19 R7.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued at Dec. 31, 2013		4,657,000	322,000
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 67,977	$ 47	$ (28,130)	$ 355,099	$ 1,015	$ (260,843)	$ 789
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercise of stock options	17			17
Release of performance shares, Shares		46,000
Release of performance shares, value	0
Stock Received for Payment of Employee Taxes on Vesting of Performance Shares and Upon Exercise of Stock Options Shares		(17,000)
Stock Received for Payment of Employee Taxes on Vesting of Performance Shares and Upon Exercise of Stock Options	(422)			(422)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	1,197			1,197
Stock issued for Lumewave acquisition, Shares		34,000
Stock issued for Lumewave acquisition	715			715
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(1,431)				(1,431)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(15)				(15)
Net loss including non-controlling interest	(24,861)					(24,326)	(535)
Common Stock, Shares, Issued at Dec. 31, 2014		4,720,000	322,000
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	43,177	$ 47	$ (28,130)	356,606	(431)	(285,169)	254
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Release of performance shares, Shares		34,000
Release of performance shares, value	0
Stock Received for Payment of Employee Taxes on Vesting of Performance Shares and Upon Exercise of Stock Options Shares		(16,000)
Stock Received for Payment of Employee Taxes on Vesting of Performance Shares and Upon Exercise of Stock Options	(153)			(153)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	293			293
Stock issued for Lumewave acquisition	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(1,158)				(1,158)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(5)				(5)
Net loss including non-controlling interest	$ (13,233)					(13,233)	0
Common Stock, Shares, Issued at Dec. 31, 2015	4,738,370	4,738,000	322,000
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 28,921	$ 47	$ (28,130)	356,746	(1,594)	(298,402)	254
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of accounting standard	0			675		(675)
Release of performance shares, Shares		24,000
Release of performance shares, value	0	$ 1		(1)
Stock Received for Payment of Employee Taxes on Vesting of Performance Shares and Upon Exercise of Stock Options Shares		8,000
Stock Received for Payment of Employee Taxes on Vesting of Performance Shares and Upon Exercise of Stock Options	43			43
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	746			746
Stock issued for Lumewave acquisition	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(853)				(853)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	10				10
Net loss including non-controlling interest	$ (4,103)					(4,103)	0
Common Stock, Shares, Issued at Dec. 31, 2016	4,753,654	4,754,000	322,000
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 24,678	$ 48	$ (28,130)	$ 358,123	$ (2,437)	$ (303,180)	$ 254

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss including non-controlling interest	$ (4,103)	$ (13,233)	$ (24,861)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	489	1,767	3,350
Lease termination charges	0	3,337	0
Goodwill impairment charges	0	5,698	3,388
Increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts	6	(19)	(57)
Loss on disposal of Grid business	0	0	254
Loss on disposal and write-down of fixed assets	1	81	5,217
Increase in accrued investment income	(43)	(31)	(32)
Stock-based compensation	746	293	1,197
Adjustment to contingent consideration	(318)	(650)	43
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	1,009	(53)	2,536
Inventories	323	409	1,757
Deferred cost of goods sold	(20)	277	209
Other current assets	200	356	1,007
Accounts payable	(558)	(1,309)	(81)
Accrued liabilities	(1,176)	(1,097)	(4,034)
Deferred revenues	340	(707)	(846)
Deferred rent	81	(45)	(35)
Net cash used in operating activities	(3,023)	(4,926)	(10,988)
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of available-for-sale short-term investments	(23,955)	(16,974)	(28,975)
Proceeds from maturities and sales of available‑for‑sale short‑term investments	29,155	28,852	48,000
Change in other long-term assets	160	(795)	29
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired	0	0	(924)
Proceeds from divestiture of Grid business, net of transaction costs	0	0	2,144
Capital expenditures	(117)	(306)	(746)
Net cash provided by investing activities	5,243	10,777	19,528
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments of lease financing obligations	0	(11,278)	(2,064)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0	17
Restricted investments used as collateral for line of credit	0	0	(6,250)
Repurchase of common stock from employees for payment of taxes on vesting of restricted stock units and upon exercise of stock options	(43)	(153)	(422)
Net cash used in financing activities	(43)	(11,431)	(8,719)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	(65)	(69)	(1,129)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	2,112	(5,649)	(1,308)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of period	7,691	13,340	14,648
End of period	9,803	7,691	13,340
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest on lease financing obligations	0	387	1,003
Cash paid for income taxes	169	249	294
Fair value of stock issued in connection with acquisition	0	0	715
Non-cash transfer from financing to investing for restricted investments used as collateral for credit cards	0	0	1,399
Non-cash transfer of restricted investments to available-for-sale short-term investments	$ 151	$ 0	$ 4,851

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

1. Significant Accounting Policies

Operations

Basis of Presentation

Risks and Uncertainties

•


•	The Company utilizes third-party contract electronic manufacturers to manufacture, assemble, and test its products. If any of these third-parties were unable to obtain the necessary capital to operate their business, they may be unable to provide the Company with timely services or to make timely deliveries of products.

•


•	Recently, in our effort to manage our costs and inventory risks, we decreased our inventory levels of certain products. If there is an unexpected increase in demand for these items, we might not be able to supply our customers with products in a timely manner.

Use of Estimates

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

(i) New Accounting Standards Recently Adopted

(ii) New Accounting Standards Not Yet Effective

Revenue Recognition

When the Company is unable to establish a selling price using VSOE or TPE, which was generally the case for the Hardware and certain specified enhancements or upgrades to the Company’s NES software, the Company uses its BESP in determining the allocation of arrangement consideration. The objective of BESP is to determine the price at which the Company would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a stand-alone basis. BESP is generally used for offerings that are not typically sold on a stand-alone basis or for new or highly customized offerings.

Deferred Revenue and Deferred Cost of Goods Sold

Stock-Based Compensation

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Short-Term Investments

Fair Value Measurements

The Company measures at fair value its cash equivalents and available-for-sale investments using a valuation hierarchy based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company's own assumptions. These two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:


•	Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;


•	Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets; and


•	Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

Inventories



	December 31, 2016		December 31, 2015

Purchased materials	$	148	$	164
Finished goods	2,422		2,729
	$	2,570	$	2,893

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Including Goodwill

Costs in excess of the fair value of tangible and other identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a purchase business combination are recorded as goodwill, which is tested for impairment using a two-step approach. The Company evaluates goodwill, at a minimum, on an annual basis during the first quarter and whenever events and changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level by comparing the reporting unit's carrying amount, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using a combination of the income approach and the market approach. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. For both the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized impairments of its goodwill, which are described in more detail in Note 10.

Software Development Costs

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):



	December 31, 2016		December 31, 2015

Accrued payroll and related costs	$	1,299	$	2,119
Warranty reserve	118		120
Contingent consideration	—		318
Restructuring charges	273		—
Other accrued liabilities	484		328
	$	2,174	$	2,885

Foreign Currency Translation

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Suppliers



	December 31,
	2016	2015
Enel Distribuzione Spa	—%	18.2%
Avnet Europe Comm VA	26.9%	12.9%
Total	26.9%	31.1%

Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share



	Year ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2014
Net loss (Numerator):
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(4,103	)	$	(13,233	)	$	(15,611	)
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	—			—			(8,715		)
Net loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(4,103	)	$	(13,233	)	$	(24,326	)

Shares (Denominator):
Weighted average common shares outstanding	4,425			4,409			4,350
Shares used in basic computation	4,425			4,409			4,350
Common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options (treasury stock method)	—			—			—
Shares used in diluted computation	4,425			4,409			4,350

Net loss per share:
Basic and diluted net loss per share from continuing operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(0.93	)	$	(3.00	)	$	(3.59	)
Basic and diluted net loss per share from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	0.00		$	0.00		$	(2.00	)
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(0.93	)	$	(3.00	)	$	(5.59	)

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

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Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Financial Instruments

2. Financial Instruments

Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis



	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets:
Money market funds ⁽¹⁾	$	4,513	$	4,513	$	—	$	—
U.S. government securities⁽²⁾	13,233		—		13,233		—
Total	$	17,746	$	4,513	$	13,233	$	—

The fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis was determined using the following inputs at December 31, 2015 (in thousands):



	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets:
Money market funds ⁽¹⁾	$	2,305	$	2,305	$	—	$	—
U.S. government securities⁽²⁾	18,379		—		18,379		—
Total	$	20,684	$	2,305	$	18,379	$	—

Liabilities:
Contingent consideration	$	318	$	—	$	—	$	318
Total	$	318	$	—	$	—	$	318

⁽¹⁾ Included in cash and cash equivalents in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets


⁽²⁾	Represents the portfolio of available-for-sale securities and is included in restricted investments and short-term investments in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets



	Contingent Consideration
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2014	$	968
Adjustment to contingent consideration	(650		)
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2015	$	318
Adjustment to contingent consideration	(318		)
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2016	$	—



	Amortized Cost		Aggregate Fair Value		Unrealized Holding Gains		Unrealized Holding Losses
U.S. government securities	$	11,984	$	11,983	$	—	$	1



	Amortized Cost		Aggregate Fair Value		Unrealized Holding Gains		Unrealized Holding Losses
U.S. government securities	$	16,989	$	16,978	$	—	$	11

Non-Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

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Property and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]

3. Property and Equipment

A summary of property and equipment, net as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows (in thousands):



	December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
Computer and other equipment	$	3,370		$	3,253
Software	3,130			3,130
Furniture and fixtures	110			106
Leasehold improvements	194			191
	6,804			6,680
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(6,359		)	(6,085		)
Property and equipment, net	$	445		$	595

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method as follows:


•	Computer equipment and related software, other equipment, and furniture and fixtures are depreciated over their estimated useful lives of two to five years; and


•	Certain telecommunications equipment is depreciated over its estimated useful life of 10 years.

Accounting for former San Jose headquarter buildings and improvements

The cost of buildings and improvements for the Company's former leased San Jose, California headquarters facilities, for which it was the “deemed owner” for accounting purposes only, included both the costs paid for directly by the Company and the costs paid for by the builder (lessor) from the period commencing with the start of construction through the lease commencement date for each building. These building assets and leasehold improvements were depreciated over the shorter of the remaining lease term or estimated useful lives.

Impairment of certain long-lived assets of the Grid business

XML 24 R12.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]

4. Acquisitions



	Amount
Cash and cash equivalents	$	630
Accounts receivable	107
Inventory	31
Other current assets	259
Property and equipment	23
Identifiable intangible assets	1,500
Goodwill	1,257
Accounts payable	(352		)
Accrued liabilities	(255		)
	$	3,200

Pro forma information for this acquisition is not presented as the results of the acquired business are not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56956515&loc=d3e1497-128463

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56956515&loc=d3e1490-128463

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56956515&loc=d3e1392-128463

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e7008-128479

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56956515&loc=d3e1486-128463

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e6927-128479

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56956791&loc=d3e4845-128472

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56956515&loc=d3e1500-128463

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Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]

XML 25 R13.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Discontinued Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

5. Discontinued Operations



	Year ended December 31,
	2014

Revenues ⁽¹⁾	$	18,392
Cost of revenues	11,774
Operating expenses	15,614
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes	(8,996		)
Income taxes	—
Loss on sale of Grid business	(254		)
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(9,250		)
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to non-controlling interest, net of income taxes	535
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders, net of income taxes	$	(8,715	)

⁽¹⁾Includes related party amounts of $112,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The entire disclosure related to a disposal group. Includes, but is not limited to, a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 11
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 3A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51719941&loc=SL51724579-110230

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss



	Foreign currency translation adjustment (Amount in thousands)			Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities (Amount in thousands)			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Amount in thousands)
Beginning balance at December 31, 2014	$	(424	)	$	(7	)	$	(431	)
Change during the year	(1,158		)	(5		)	(1,163		)
Ending balance at December 31, 2015	$	(1,582	)	$	(12	)	$	(1,594	)
Change during the year	(853		)	10			(843		)
Ending balance at December 31, 2016	$	(2,435	)	$	(2	)	$	(2,437	)

XML 27 R15.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans

. Stockholders’ Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans

(a) Reverse Stock Split

(b) Preferred Stock

As of December 31, 2016, the Company was authorized to issue 5,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value preferred stock, of which none was outstanding.

As of December 31, 2016, the Company was authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value common stock, of which 4,431,736 were outstanding.

(d) Tax Benefit Preservation Plan

(e) Stock Option Programs

2016 Equity Incentive Plan

2016 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan

1997 Stock Plan (terminated October 4, 2016)

(d) Stock Award Activity

The following table summarizes stock award activity under all plans for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014:



			Options Outstanding
	Shares Available for Grant		Number Outstanding		Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2013	457,585		410,484		$	41.30
Options granted	(46,800	)	46,800		24.60
RSUs granted	(219,153	)	—		—
Options and stock appreciation rights cancelled	197,066		(197,066	)	47.00
RSUs cancelled	126,519		—		—
Options exercised	—		(539	)	31.70
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2014	515,217		259,679		$	34.00
Options granted	(112,600	)	112,600		9.14
RSUs granted	(83,555	)	—		—
Options and stock appreciation rights cancelled	86,743		(86,743	)	32.38
RSUs cancelled	111,700		—		—
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2015	517,505		285,536		$	24.72
New plan shares approved	750,000		—		—
Unissued shares eliminated from plan	(13,346	)	—		—
Options granted	(275,250	)	275,250		5.07
RSUs granted	(460,209	)	—		—
Options and stock appreciation rights cancelled	54,914		(54,914	)	25.50
RSUs cancelled	29,211		—		—
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2016	602,825		505,872		$	13.94

The following table provides additional information regarding RSU and RSA activity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014:



	Number of Shares Nonvested and Outstanding		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair-Value
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2013	136,711		$	52.20
RSUs and RSAs granted	128,945		25.03
RSUs vested and released	(50,022	)	57.84
RSUs cancelled	(86,312	)	36.88
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2014	129,322		$	33.15
RSUs granted	49,150		9.03
RSUs vested and released	(40,414	)	35.32
RSUs cancelled	(73,344	)	32.29
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2015	64,714		$	14.45
RSUs granted	307,770		5.21
RSUs vested and released	(23,993	)	14.31
RSUs cancelled	(17,328	)	17.06
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2016	331,163		$	5.74

The following table provides additional information for significant ranges of outstanding and exercisable stock options and SARs as of December 31, 2016:



Exercise Price Range	Number Outstanding	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
$4.51-$4.73	80,000	9.37	$	4.68	$	3,800
5.22	187,000	9.74	5.22		—
5.45-9.11	87,750	8.50	8.70		—
9.15-23.70	84,490	7.06	21.26		—
24.20-35.20	41,632	5.03	30.72		—
$74.60	25,000	0.63	74.60		—
Outstanding	505,872	8.18	$	13.94	$	3,800
Vested and expected to vest	483,234	8.18	$	14.29	$	3,800
Exercisable	200,830	6.45	$	24.70	$	3,800

XML 28 R16.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Stock Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]

. Stock-based Compensation

(a) Valuation of Options, SARs, and RSUs Granted



	Year ended December 31,
	2016	2015	2014
Expected dividend yield	—%	—%	—%
Risk-free interest rate	1.2%	1.7%	2.0%
Expected volatility	58.1%	56.3%	66.3%
Expected term (in years)	5.12	5.08	5.98

(b) Equity Compensation Expense for RSUs and RSAs with Financial or other Performance-Based Vesting Requirements

As of December 31, 2016, and 2015, there were no equity compensation awards outstanding that contained financial or other performance-based vesting requirements.



Grant Date	# of Awards Granted and Outstanding	Fair Value on Grant Date		Cumulative Expense Recognized		Unearned Compensation Expense		Latest Date Performance Condition Could be Met
August 2010	8,000	$	596	$	—	$	596	April 2015
November 2011	5,000	277		—		277		April 2015
June 2014	57,080	1,404		324		1,080		December 2014
Total	70,080	$	2,277	$	324	$	1,953

c) Expense Allocation



	Year ended 31 December,
	2016		2015			2014

Cost of revenues	$	48	$	(74	)	$	292
Product development	173		304			(73		)
Sales and marketing	57		(92		)	206
General and administrative	468		155			1,114
Discontinued operations	—		—			(342		)
Total stock based compensation expense related to stock options and share awards	746		293			1,197
Tax benefit	—		—			—
Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options and share awards, net of tax	$	746	$	293		$	1,197

As of December 31, 2016, and 2015, stock-based compensation expense capitalized as part of the cost of inventory and deferred cost of goods sold was immaterial.

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Significant Customers

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]

Significant Customers



	Year ended December 31,
	2016	2015	2014
Avnet	28.7%	24.5%	26.2%
Enel	4.1%	12.7%	7.7%
Total	32.8%	37.2%	33.9%

We do not currently expect additional shipments to Enel. As such, we expect our revenues from Enel will decrease significantly in 2017 as compared to 2016.

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

10. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, net, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands):



	Amount
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	8,390
Unrealized foreign currency translation loss	(323		)
Goodwill impairment - Grid division	(3,388		)
Goodwill associated with Lumewave acquisition	1,257
Balance as of December 31, 2014	5,936
Unrealized foreign currency translation loss	(238		)
Goodwill impairment	(5,698		)
Balance as of December 31, 2015	$	—

For the quarter ended June 30, 2014, the Company concluded there were indicators of potential goodwill impairment for the Company’s Grid business, including continued weakness and increased uncertainty in the Grid market; changes in the extent and manner of use of the unit's long-lived assets; and changes in our long-term strategy for the Grid business. As a result of identifying indicators of impairment, the Company performed an impairment test of goodwill as of June 30, 2014.

Identifiable Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying amount of identifiable intangible assets, net for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows (in thousands):



	Amount
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	1,413
Amortization	(230		)
Balance as of December 31, 2015	1,183
Amortization	(230		)
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$	953



	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Value		Weighted-Average Remaining Useful Life (in years)

Developed technology	$	800	$	292	$	508	4.13
Customer relationships	500		182		318		4.13
Trade names	200		73		127		4.13
Total	$	1,500	$	547	$	953	4.13



	Year ended December 31,
	2016		2015		2014
Cost of revenues	$	123	$	123	$	46
Operating expenses	107		107		41
Total	$	230	$	230	$	87

The following table presents the estimated future amortization of finite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2016 (in thousands):



	Estimated Future Amoritization
2017	$	229
2018	229
2019	229
2020	229
2021	37
Total	$	953

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

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Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Commitments And Contingencies

. Commitments and Contingencies

(a) Lease Commitments

As of December 31, 2016, future minimum lease payments under all operating leases were as follows (in thousands):



2017	$	974
2018		841
2019		467
Total payments	$	2,282

Although certain of the operating lease agreements provide for escalating rent payments over the term of the lease, rent expense under these agreements is recognized on a straight-line basis. As of December 31, 2016, the Company has accrued approximately $193,000 of deferred rent related to these agreements, of which approximately $59,000 is reflected in current liabilities while the remainder is reflected in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had accrued approximately $112,000 of deferred rent related to its lease agreements, of which approximately $15,000 is reflected in current liabilities while the remainder is reflected in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The components of net rent expense for all operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, were as follows (in thousands):



	Year ended 31 December
	2016		2015			2014
Rent expense	$	994	$	1,260		$	1,483
Sublease rentals	—		(685		)	(202		)
Rent expense included in discontinued operations	—		—			(160		)
Rent expense, net	$	994	$	575		$	1,121

(b) Royalties

(d) Taxes

(e) Legal Actions

Line of Credit

XML 32 R20.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

12. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes attributable to continuing operations is based upon loss from continuing operations before provision for income taxes as follows (in thousands):



	Year ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2014
Domestic	$	(4,632	)	$	(11,932	)	$	(15,592	)
Foreign	711			(1,251		)	192
	$	(3,921	)	$	(13,183	)	$	(15,400	)

There were no income taxes attributable to discontinued operations in any of the periods presented.

The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):



	Year ended December 31,
	2016		2015		2014
Federal:
Current	$	—	$	—	$	—
Deferred	—		—		—
Total federal provision	—		—		—
State:
Current	18		20		16
Deferred	—		—		—
Total state provision	18		20		16
Foreign:
Current	164		30		195
Deferred	—		—		—
Total foreign provision	164		30		195
Total income tax expense	$	182	$	50	$	211

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount estimated by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to loss before taxes as follows (in thousands):



	Year ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2014
Federal tax at statutory rate of 35%	$	(1,372	)	$	(4,615	)	$	(5,390	)
State taxes, net of federal benefit	(171		)	(634		)	(577		)
U.S.-Foreign rate differential	(96		)	480			100
Change in Valuation Allowance	939			3,072			4,115
Research and Development credits	233			175			357
Permanent items	657			1,566			1,560
Others	(8		)	6			46
Total income tax expense	$	182		$	50		$	211



		Year ended December 31,
		2016			2015
Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carry forwards	$	100,378		$	83,522
	Tax credit carry forwards	19,248			18,940
	Fixed and intangible assets	597			868
	Capitalized research and development costs	58			58
	Stock based compensation and other reserves and allowances	3,445			3,828
	Gross deferred income tax assets	123,726			107,216
	Valuation allowance	(123,726		)	(107,216		)
	Net deferred income tax assets	$	—		$	—

The following is a rollforward of the Company's unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):



	Year ended December 31,
	2016			2015
Balance as of the beginning of the year	$	9,066		$	1,359
Tax positions related to current year:
Additions	152			147
Reductions	(14		)	(18		)
Tax positions related to prior years:
Additions	80			7,991
Reductions	(4		)	(28		)
Settlements	—			—
Lapses in statute of limitations	(64		)	(385		)
Balance as of the end of the year	$	9,216		$	9,066

XML 33 R21.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Warranty Reserves	12 Months Ended
Warranty Reserves	Dec. 31, 2016
Warranty Reserves [Abstract]
Warranty Reserves	13. Warranty Reserves When evaluating the reserve for warranty costs, management takes into consideration the term of the warranty coverage, the quantity of product in the field that is currently under warranty, historical return rates, and historical costs of repair. In addition, certain other applicable factors, such as technical complexity, may also be taken into consideration when historical information is not yet available for recently introduced products. Estimated reserves for warranty costs are generally provided for when the associated revenue is recognized. In addition, additional warranty reserves may be established when the Company becomes aware of a specific warranty related problem, such as a product recall. Such additional warranty reserves are based on the Company's current estimate of the total out-of-pocket costs expected to be incurred to resolve the problem, including, but not limited to, costs to replace or repair the defective items and shipping costs. The reserve for warranty costs was $245,000 as of December 31, 2016 and $120,000 as of December 31, 2015. Of the $245,000 balance as of December 31, 2016, $118,000 was included in accrued liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheet, with the remainder being included in other long-term liabilities.

XML 34 R22.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Related Parties	12 Months Ended
Related Parties	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Parties	14. Related Parties In June 2000, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with Enel pursuant to which Enel purchased 300,000 newly issued shares of its common stock for $130.7 million. The closing of this stock purchase occurred on September 11, 2000. At the closing, Enel had agreed that it would not, except under limited circumstances, sell or otherwise transfer any of those shares for a specified time period. That time period expired September 11, 2003. To the Company’s knowledge, Enel has disposed none of its 300,000 shares. Under the terms of the stock purchase agreement, Enel has the right to nominate one member of the Company’s board of directors. A representative of Enel served on the board until March 14, 2012; no Enel representative is presently on the board. At the time the Company entered into the stock purchase agreement with Enel, it also entered into a research and development agreement with an affiliate of Enel (the “R&D Agreement”). Under the terms of the R&D Agreement, the Company cooperated with Enel to integrate its LONWORKS technology into Enel’s remote metering management project in Italy, the Contatore Elettronico. The Company completed the sale of its components and products for the deployment phase of the Contatore Elettronico project during 2005. During 2006, the Company supplied Enel and its designated manufacturers with limited spare parts for the Contatore Elettronico system. In October 2006, the Company entered into a new development and supply agreement and a software enhancement agreement with Enel. Under the development and supply agreement, Enel and its contract manufacturers purchase additional electronic components and finished goods from the Company. Under the software enhancement agreement, the Company provided software enhancements to Enel for use in its Contatore Elettronico system. The software enhancement was assigned to S&T as part of the sale of our Grid division in September 2014. The development and supply agreement expired in December 2015, although delivery of products can extend beyond then and the agreement may be extended under certain circumstances. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the Company recognized revenue from products and services sold to Enel and its designated manufacturers of approximately $1.3 million, $4.9 million, and $3.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, $0 and $827,000 of the Company’s total accounts receivable balance related to amounts owed by Enel and its designated manufacturers, respectively.

The entire disclosure for related party transactions. Examples of related party transactions include transactions between (a) a parent company and its subsidiary; (b) subsidiaries of a common parent; (c) and entity and its principal owners; and (d) affiliates.

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

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Restructuring

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]

Restructuring

The following table sets forth a summary of restructuring activities related to the Company's 2016 restructuring program (in thousands):



	December 31, 2015		Costs Incurred		Cash Payments			December 31, 2016
Termination benefits	$	—	$	286	$	(13	)	$	273

The following table sets forth a summary of restructuring activities related to the Company’s 2014 restructuring program in 2015 (in thousands):



	December 31, 2014		Costs Incurred		Cash Payments			December 31, 2015
Termination benefits	$	701	$	—	$	(701	)	$	—

The following table sets forth a summary of restructuring activities related to the 2014 restructuring program in 2014 (in thousands):



	December 31, 2013		Costs Incurred		Cash Payments			December 31, 2014
Termination benefits	$	—	$	1,841	$	(1,140	)	$	701

XML 36 R24.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Valuation and Qualifying accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]

16. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (in thousands)



	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged/ (Credited) to Revenues and Expenses			Write-Off of Previously Provided Accounts		Balance at End of Period
Year Ended December 31, 2016:
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	31	$	5		$	—	$	36
Allowance for Customer Returns and Sales Credits	$	490	$	3,713		$	3,675	$	528

Year Ended December 31, 2015:
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	57	$	(19	)	$	7	$	31
Allowance for Customer Returns and Sales Credits	$	401	$	3,442		$	3,353	$	490

Year Ended December 31, 2014:
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	353	$	(46	)	$	250	$	57
Allowance for Customer Returns and Sales Credits	$	530	$	3,729		$	3,858	$	401

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Segment Disclosure

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Disclosure

17. Segment Disclosure



	Year ended December 31,
	2016		2015		2014
Americas
United States	$	10,309	$	11,138	$	10,680
Other Americas	1,093		1,242		2,074
Total Americas	11,402		12,380		12,754
EMEA
Germany	8,749		9,987		10,733
Other EMEA	5,366		7,812		3,761
Total EMEA	14,115		17,799		14,494
APJ
China	2,209		2,436		3,225
Other APJ	4,659		6,189		8,257
Total APJ	6,868		8,625		11,482
Total	$	32,385	$	38,804	$	38,730

For information regarding the Company’s major customers, please refer to Note 9, Significant Customers.

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51669610&loc=d3e8906-108599

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

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Joint Venture	12 Months Ended
Joint Venture	Dec. 31, 2016
Less Than Wholly Owned Subsidiary [Abstract]
Joint Venture	18. Joint Venture On March 23, 2012, the Company entered into an agreement with Holley Metering Limited (“Holley Metering”), a designer and manufacturer of energy meters in China, to create a joint venture, Zhejiang Echelon-Holley Technology Co., Ltd. (“Echelon-Holley”). The joint venture's intended focus was on the development and sales of smart energy products for China and rest-of-world markets. The Company has a 51% ownership interest in the joint venture and exercises controlling influence. Therefore, Echelon-Holley’s accounts are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2016, and for the three years then ended. Holley Metering’s interests in Echelon-Holley’s net assets are reported in the noncontrolling interest in subsidiary on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest in Echelon-Holley was $0, $0, and $535,000 during years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, Echelon and Holley Metering had contributed in cash a total of approximately $4,000,000 in Share Capital, as defined, to Echelon-Holley in proportion to their respective ownership interests. In connection with the decision to sell the Grid business announced in the third quarter of 2014, the Company undertook a process to sell the remaining net assets of the joint venture and recorded the net assets and liabilities of the joint venture at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell, and classified them as held for sale on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014. The major classes of assets and liabilities that were classified as held for sale were inventory, deferred revenues and the related deferred costs of sales, and accrued liabilities. In addition, the net loss attributable to the non-controlling interests have also been presented as part of discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. During the quarter ended September 30, 2015, the Company concluded that it would no longer pursue a sale, but would instead work with Holley Metering to shut the joint venture down. The remaining net assets of the joint venture were immaterial as of September 30, 2015. As the net losses attributable to the joint venture were immaterial in all years, they have been presented as part of discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.

XML 39 R27.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]

19. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED):



	Three months ended
	December 2016			September 2016			June 2016			March 2016			December 2015			September 2015			June 2015			March 2015
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
Revenues	$	7,498		$	8,179		$	8,061		$	8,647		$	9,590		$	9,983		$	9,363		$	9,868
Cost of revenues	3,375			3,707			3,415			3,805			4,093			4,370			3,821			4,244
Gross profit	4,123			4,472			4,646			4,842			5,497			5,613			5,542			5,624
Operating expenses:
Product development	2,119			1,963			1,985			2,193			2,341			2,454			2,340			2,612
Sales and marketing	1,638			1,570			1,679			1,302			1,602			1,848			2,194			2,188
General and administrative	1,782			2,087			2,197			2,011			1,694			2,547			2,187			2,821
Goodwill impairment	—			—			—			—			5,698			—			—			—
Lease termination charges	—			—			—			—			—			—			3,337			—
Restructuring charges	286			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Total operating expenses	5,825			5,620			5,861			5,506			11,335			6,849			10,058			7,621
Loss from operations	(1,702		)	(1,148		)	(1,215		)	(664		)	(5,838		)	(1,236		)	(4,516		)	(1,997		)
Interest and other income (expense), net	567			(57		)	503			(205		)	227			184			(458		)	838
Interest expense on lease financing obligations	—			—			—			—			(2		)	(5		)	(128		)	(252		)
Loss before provision for income taxes	(1,135		)	(1,205		)	(712		)	(869		)	(5,613		)	(1,057		)	(5,102		)	(1,411		)
Income tax expense (benefit)	102			23			51			6			(14		)	(10		)	61			13
Net loss	$	(1,237	)	$	(1,228	)	$	(763	)	$	(875	)	$	(5,599	)	$	(1,047	)	$	(5,163	)	$	(1,424	)

Basic and diluted net loss per share	$	(0.28	)	$	(0.28	)	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.20	)	$	(1.27	)	$	(0.24	)	$	(1.17	)	$	(0.32	)
Shares used in net loss per share calculation:
Basic	4,432			4,431			4,420			4,417			4,416			4,413			4,406			4,395
Diluted	4,432			4,431			4,420			4,417			4,416			4,413			4,406			4,395

XML 40 R28.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

Risks and uncertainties

Risks and Uncertainties

•


•	The Company utilizes third-party contract electronic manufacturers to manufacture, assemble, and test its products. If any of these third-parties were unable to obtain the necessary capital to operate their business, they may be unable to provide the Company with timely services or to make timely deliveries of products.

•


•	Recently, in our effort to manage our costs and inventory risks, we decreased our inventory levels of certain products. If there is an unexpected increase in demand for these items, we might not be able to supply our customers with products in a timely manner.

Use of Estimates, Policy

Use of Estimates

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

(i) New Accounting Standards Recently Adopted

(ii) New Accounting Standards Not Yet Effective

Revenue Recognition, Policy

Revenue Recognition

Deferred Revenue and Deferred Cost of Goods Sold

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments

Stock-Based Compensation

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Investment, Policy

Short-Term Investments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy

Fair Value Measurements


•	Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;


•	Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets; and


•	Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

Inventory, Policy

Inventories

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Including Goodwill

Costs in excess of the fair value of tangible and other identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a purchase business combination are recorded as goodwill, which is tested for impairment using a two-step approach. The Company evaluates goodwill, at a minimum, on an annual basis during the first quarter and whenever events and changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level by comparing the reporting unit's carrying amount, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using a combination of the income approach and the market approach. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. For both the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized impairments of its goodwill, which are described in more detail in Note 10.

Software to be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed, Policy

Software Development Costs

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):



	December 31, 2016		December 31, 2015

Accrued payroll and related costs	$	1,299	$	2,119
Warranty reserve	118		120
Contingent consideration	—		318
Restructuring charges	273		—
Other accrued liabilities	484		328
	$	2,174	$	2,885

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy

Foreign Currency Translation

Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Suppliers



	December 31,
	2016	2015
Enel Distribuzione Spa	—%	18.2%
Avnet Europe Comm VA	26.9%	12.9%
Total	26.9%	31.1%

Earnings Per Share, Policy

Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share



	Year ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2014
Net loss (Numerator):
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(4,103	)	$	(13,233	)	$	(15,611	)
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	—			—			(8,715		)
Net loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(4,103	)	$	(13,233	)	$	(24,326	)

Shares (Denominator):
Weighted average common shares outstanding	4,425			4,409			4,350
Shares used in basic computation	4,425			4,409			4,350
Common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options (treasury stock method)	—			—			—
Shares used in diluted computation	4,425			4,409			4,350

Net loss per share:
Basic and diluted net loss per share from continuing operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(0.93	)	$	(3.00	)	$	(3.59	)
Basic and diluted net loss per share from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	0.00		$	0.00		$	(2.00	)
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(0.93	)	$	(3.00	)	$	(5.59	)

Income Tax, Policy

Income Taxes

Comprehensive Income, Policy

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

XML 41 R29.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):



	December 31, 2016		December 31, 2015

Purchased materials	$	148	$	164
Finished goods	2,422		2,729
	$	2,570	$	2,893

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]

Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):



	December 31, 2016		December 31, 2015

Accrued payroll and related costs	$	1,299	$	2,119
Warranty reserve	118		120
Contingent consideration	—		318
Restructuring charges	273		—
Other accrued liabilities	484		328
	$	2,174	$	2,885

Significant Accounts Receivable [Table Text Block]

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the percentage of the Company's total accounts receivable balance that were due from the following significant customers is as follows (refer to Note 9 - Significant Customers for a discussion of revenues generated from the Company's significant customers):



	December 31,
	2016	2015
Enel Distribuzione Spa	—%	18.2%
Avnet Europe Comm VA	26.9%	12.9%
Total	26.9%	31.1%

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]



	Year ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2014
Net loss (Numerator):
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(4,103	)	$	(13,233	)	$	(15,611	)
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	—			—			(8,715		)
Net loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(4,103	)	$	(13,233	)	$	(24,326	)

Shares (Denominator):
Weighted average common shares outstanding	4,425			4,409			4,350
Shares used in basic computation	4,425			4,409			4,350
Common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options (treasury stock method)	—			—			—
Shares used in diluted computation	4,425			4,409			4,350

Net loss per share:
Basic and diluted net loss per share from continuing operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(0.93	)	$	(3.00	)	$	(3.59	)
Basic and diluted net loss per share from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	0.00		$	0.00		$	(2.00	)
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(0.93	)	$	(3.00	)	$	(5.59	)

XML 42 R30.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair value of asset measured on a recurring basis

The fair value of the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis was determined using the following inputs at December 31, 2016 (in thousands):



	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets:
Money market funds ⁽¹⁾	$	4,513	$	4,513	$	—	$	—
U.S. government securities⁽²⁾	13,233		—		13,233		—
Total	$	17,746	$	4,513	$	13,233	$	—

The fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis was determined using the following inputs at December 31, 2015 (in thousands):



	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets:
Money market funds ⁽¹⁾	$	2,305	$	2,305	$	—	$	—
U.S. government securities⁽²⁾	18,379		—		18,379		—
Total	$	20,684	$	2,305	$	18,379	$	—

Liabilities:
Contingent consideration	$	318	$	—	$	—	$	318
Total	$	318	$	—	$	—	$	318

⁽¹⁾ Included in cash and cash equivalents in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets


⁽²⁾	Represents the portfolio of available-for-sale securities and is included in restricted investments and short-term investments in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets

Level 3 Rollforward [Table Text Block]

The table below includes a rollforward of the balance sheet amounts for financial instruments classified by the Company within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy for the two years ended December 31, 2016 (in thousands):



	Contingent Consideration
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2014	$	968
Adjustment to contingent consideration	(650		)
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2015	$	318
Adjustment to contingent consideration	(318		)
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2016	$	—

Fair value of short term investment unrealized holdings and gains



	Amortized Cost		Aggregate Fair Value		Unrealized Holding Gains		Unrealized Holding Losses
U.S. government securities	$	11,984	$	11,983	$	—	$	1



	Amortized Cost		Aggregate Fair Value		Unrealized Holding Gains		Unrealized Holding Losses
U.S. government securities	$	16,989	$	16,978	$	—	$	11

XML 43 R31.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Property and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]

A summary of property and equipment, net as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows (in thousands):



	December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
Computer and other equipment	$	3,370		$	3,253
Software	3,130			3,130
Furniture and fixtures	110			106
Leasehold improvements	194			191
	6,804			6,680
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(6,359		)	(6,085		)
Property and equipment, net	$	445		$	595

XML 44 R32.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation based on estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date (amounts in thousands):



	Amount
Cash and cash equivalents	$	630
Accounts receivable	107
Inventory	31
Other current assets	259
Property and equipment	23
Identifiable intangible assets	1,500
Goodwill	1,257
Accounts payable	(352		)
Accrued liabilities	(255		)
	$	3,200

XML 45 R33.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Discontinued Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]

The table below provides a summary of the components of the net loss from discontinued operations for 2014 and excludes certain shared overhead costs that were previously allocated to the Grid segment as ASC 205-20 prohibits the allocation of general overhead costs to discontinued operations.



	Year ended December 31,
	2014

Revenues ⁽¹⁾	$	18,392
Cost of revenues	11,774
Operating expenses	15,614
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes	(8,996		)
Income taxes	—
Loss on sale of Grid business	(254		)
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(9,250		)
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to non-controlling interest, net of income taxes	535
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders, net of income taxes	$	(8,715	)

⁽¹⁾Includes related party amounts of $112,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Tabular disclosure of information related to a disposal group. Includes, but is not limited to, a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51716988&loc=SL51721533-107759

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-Section 50
-Paragraph 3A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51719941&loc=SL51724579-110230

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5C
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51717284&loc=SL51721675-107760

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51717284&loc=SL51721663-107760

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51719941&loc=d3e2941-110230

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51717284&loc=SL51721673-107760

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51717284&loc=SL51721659-107760

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51717284&loc=SL51721671-107760

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5D
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51717284&loc=SL51721677-107760

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]



	Foreign currency translation adjustment (Amount in thousands)			Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities (Amount in thousands)			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Amount in thousands)
Beginning balance at December 31, 2014	$	(424	)	$	(7	)	$	(431	)
Change during the year	(1,158		)	(5		)	(1,163		)
Ending balance at December 31, 2015	$	(1,582	)	$	(12	)	$	(1,594	)
Change during the year	(853		)	10			(843		)
Ending balance at December 31, 2016	$	(2,435	)	$	(2	)	$	(2,437	)

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Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Stock Options, RSU and SARS Activity [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes stock award activity under all plans for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014:



			Options Outstanding
	Shares Available for Grant		Number Outstanding		Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2013	457,585		410,484		$	41.30
Options granted	(46,800	)	46,800		24.60
RSUs granted	(219,153	)	—		—
Options and stock appreciation rights cancelled	197,066		(197,066	)	47.00
RSUs cancelled	126,519		—		—
Options exercised	—		(539	)	31.70
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2014	515,217		259,679		$	34.00
Options granted	(112,600	)	112,600		9.14
RSUs granted	(83,555	)	—		—
Options and stock appreciation rights cancelled	86,743		(86,743	)	32.38
RSUs cancelled	111,700		—		—
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2015	517,505		285,536		$	24.72
New plan shares approved	750,000		—		—
Unissued shares eliminated from plan	(13,346	)	—		—
Options granted	(275,250	)	275,250		5.07
RSUs granted	(460,209	)	—		—
Options and stock appreciation rights cancelled	54,914		(54,914	)	25.50
RSUs cancelled	29,211		—		—
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2016	602,825		505,872		$	13.94

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]

The following table provides additional information regarding RSU and RSA activity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014:



	Number of Shares Nonvested and Outstanding		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair-Value
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2013	136,711		$	52.20
RSUs and RSAs granted	128,945		25.03
RSUs vested and released	(50,022	)	57.84
RSUs cancelled	(86,312	)	36.88
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2014	129,322		$	33.15
RSUs granted	49,150		9.03
RSUs vested and released	(40,414	)	35.32
RSUs cancelled	(73,344	)	32.29
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2015	64,714		$	14.45
RSUs granted	307,770		5.21
RSUs vested and released	(23,993	)	14.31
RSUs cancelled	(17,328	)	17.06
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2016	331,163		$	5.74

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]

The following table provides additional information for significant ranges of outstanding and exercisable stock options and SARs as of December 31, 2016:



Exercise Price Range	Number Outstanding	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
$4.51-$4.73	80,000	9.37	$	4.68	$	3,800
5.22	187,000	9.74	5.22		—
5.45-9.11	87,750	8.50	8.70		—
9.15-23.70	84,490	7.06	21.26		—
24.20-35.20	41,632	5.03	30.72		—
$74.60	25,000	0.63	74.60		—
Outstanding	505,872	8.18	$	13.94	$	3,800
Vested and expected to vest	483,234	8.18	$	14.29	$	3,800
Exercisable	200,830	6.45	$	24.70	$	3,800

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Stock Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]

The weighted average fair value of options and SARs granted during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, was $2.55, $4.54, and $14.70, respectively, and was determined using the following weighted average assumptions:



	Year ended December 31,
	2016	2015	2014
Expected dividend yield	—%	—%	—%
Risk-free interest rate	1.2%	1.7%	2.0%
Expected volatility	58.1%	56.3%	66.3%
Expected term (in years)	5.12	5.08	5.98

Share based Compensation by arrangement, details of performance based awards [Table Text Block]

The following table contains pertinent information regarding these outstanding awards as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands except for number of awards granted):



Grant Date	# of Awards Granted and Outstanding	Fair Value on Grant Date		Cumulative Expense Recognized		Unearned Compensation Expense		Latest Date Performance Condition Could be Met
August 2010	8,000	$	596	$	—	$	596	April 2015
November 2011	5,000	277		—		277		April 2015
June 2014	57,080	1,404		324		1,080		December 2014
Total	70,080	$	2,277	$	324	$	1,953

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs

Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]



	Year ended 31 December,
	2016		2015			2014

Cost of revenues	$	48	$	(74	)	$	292
Product development	173		304			(73		)
Sales and marketing	57		(92		)	206
General and administrative	468		155			1,114
Discontinued operations	—		—			(342		)
Total stock based compensation expense related to stock options and share awards	746		293			1,197
Tax benefit	—		—			—
Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options and share awards, net of tax	$	746	$	293		$	1,197

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Significant Customers (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]

Revenues attributable to sales to major customers

For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the percentage of the Company’s revenues attributable to sales made to these customers was as follows:



	Year ended December 31,
	2016	2015	2014
Avnet	28.7%	24.5%	26.2%
Enel	4.1%	12.7%	7.7%
Total	32.8%	37.2%	33.9%

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]

The changes in the carrying amount of identifiable intangible assets, net for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows (in thousands):



	Amount
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	1,413
Amortization	(230		)
Balance as of December 31, 2015	1,183
Amortization	(230		)
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$	953

Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block]

The following table presents the details of the Company's finite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2016 (in thousands, except for weighted-average remaining useful life):



	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Value		Weighted-Average Remaining Useful Life (in years)

Developed technology	$	800	$	292	$	508	4.13
Customer relationships	500		182		318		4.13
Trade names	200		73		127		4.13
Total	$	1,500	$	547	$	953	4.13

Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, net, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands):



	Amount
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	8,390
Unrealized foreign currency translation loss	(323		)
Goodwill impairment - Grid division	(3,388		)
Goodwill associated with Lumewave acquisition	1,257
Balance as of December 31, 2014	5,936
Unrealized foreign currency translation loss	(238		)
Goodwill impairment	(5,698		)
Balance as of December 31, 2015	$	—

Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]



	Year ended December 31,
	2016		2015		2014
Cost of revenues	$	123	$	123	$	46
Operating expenses	107		107		41
Total	$	230	$	230	$	87

Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block]

The following table presents the estimated future amortization of finite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2016 (in thousands):



	Estimated Future Amoritization
2017	$	229
2018	229
2019	229
2020	229
2021	37
Total	$	953

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Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases

As of December 31, 2016, future minimum lease payments under all operating leases were as follows (in thousands):



2017	$	974
2018		841
2019		467
Total payments	$	2,282

Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure

The components of net rent expense for all operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, were as follows (in thousands):



	Year ended 31 December
	2016		2015			2014
Rent expense	$	994	$	1,260		$	1,483
Sublease rentals	—		(685		)	(202		)
Rent expense included in discontinued operations	—		—			(160		)
Rent expense, net	$	994	$	575		$	1,121

Tabular disclosure of a lessee's leasing arrangements including: (1) the basis on which contingent rental payments are determined, (2) the existence and terms of renewal or purchase options and escalation clauses, (3) restrictions imposed by lease arrangements, such as those concerning dividends, additional debt, and further leasing, (4) rent holidays, rent concessions, or leasehold improvement incentives and unusual provisions or conditions. Disclosure may also include the specific period used to amortize material leasehold improvements made at the inception of the lease or during the lease term. Additionally, for operating leases having initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year: (a) future minimum rental payments required as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, in the aggregate and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) the total of minimum rentals to be received in the future under noncancelable subleases as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, and (c) for all operating leases, rental expense for each period for which an income statement is presented, with separate amounts for minimum rentals, contingent rentals, and sublease rentals. Rental payments under leases with terms of a month or less that were not renewed need not be included.

Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign

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Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

The provision for income taxes attributable to continuing operations is based upon loss from continuing operations before provision for income taxes as follows (in thousands):



	Year ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2014
Domestic	$	(4,632	)	$	(11,932	)	$	(15,592	)
Foreign	711			(1,251		)	192
	$	(3,921	)	$	(13,183	)	$	(15,400	)

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):



	Year ended December 31,
	2016		2015		2014
Federal:
Current	$	—	$	—	$	—
Deferred	—		—		—
Total federal provision	—		—		—
State:
Current	18		20		16
Deferred	—		—		—
Total state provision	18		20		16
Foreign:
Current	164		30		195
Deferred	—		—		—
Total foreign provision	164		30		195
Total income tax expense	$	182	$	50	$	211

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount estimated by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to loss before taxes as follows (in thousands):



	Year ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2014
Federal tax at statutory rate of 35%	$	(1,372	)	$	(4,615	)	$	(5,390	)
State taxes, net of federal benefit	(171		)	(634		)	(577		)
U.S.-Foreign rate differential	(96		)	480			100
Change in Valuation Allowance	939			3,072			4,115
Research and Development credits	233			175			357
Permanent items	657			1,566			1,560
Others	(8		)	6			46
Total income tax expense	$	182		$	50		$	211

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The components of the net deferred income tax asset are as follows (in thousands):



		Year ended December 31,
		2016			2015
Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carry forwards	$	100,378		$	83,522
	Tax credit carry forwards	19,248			18,940
	Fixed and intangible assets	597			868
	Capitalized research and development costs	58			58
	Stock based compensation and other reserves and allowances	3,445			3,828
	Gross deferred income tax assets	123,726			107,216
	Valuation allowance	(123,726		)	(107,216		)
	Net deferred income tax assets	$	—		$	—

Summary of Income Tax Contingencies

The following is a rollforward of the Company's unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):



	Year ended December 31,
	2016			2015
Balance as of the beginning of the year	$	9,066		$	1,359
Tax positions related to current year:
Additions	152			147
Reductions	(14		)	(18		)
Tax positions related to prior years:
Additions	80			7,991
Reductions	(4		)	(28		)
Settlements	—			—
Lapses in statute of limitations	(64		)	(385		)
Balance as of the end of the year	$	9,216		$	9,066

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Restructuring (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs

The following table sets forth a summary of restructuring activities related to the Company's 2016 restructuring program (in thousands):



	December 31, 2015		Costs Incurred		Cash Payments			December 31, 2016
Termination benefits	$	—	$	286	$	(13	)	$	273

2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs

The following table sets forth a summary of restructuring activities related to the Company’s 2014 restructuring program in 2015 (in thousands):



	December 31, 2014		Costs Incurred		Cash Payments			December 31, 2015
Termination benefits	$	701	$	—	$	(701	)	$	—

The following table sets forth a summary of restructuring activities related to the 2014 restructuring program in 2014 (in thousands):



	December 31, 2013		Costs Incurred		Cash Payments			December 31, 2014
Termination benefits	$	—	$	1,841	$	(1,140	)	$	701

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Valuation and Qualifying accounts (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule Of Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Table Text Block]



	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged/ (Credited) to Revenues and Expenses			Write-Off of Previously Provided Accounts		Balance at End of Period
Year Ended December 31, 2016:
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	31	$	5		$	—	$	36
Allowance for Customer Returns and Sales Credits	$	490	$	3,713		$	3,675	$	528

Year Ended December 31, 2015:
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	57	$	(19	)	$	7	$	31
Allowance for Customer Returns and Sales Credits	$	401	$	3,442		$	3,353	$	490

Year Ended December 31, 2014:
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$	353	$	(46	)	$	250	$	57
Allowance for Customer Returns and Sales Credits	$	530	$	3,729		$	3,858	$	401

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Segment Disclosure (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Revenue information by geography

Summary revenue information by geography for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands):



	Year ended December 31,
	2016		2015		2014
Americas
United States	$	10,309	$	11,138	$	10,680
Other Americas	1,093		1,242		2,074
Total Americas	11,402		12,380		12,754
EMEA
Germany	8,749		9,987		10,733
Other EMEA	5,366		7,812		3,761
Total EMEA	14,115		17,799		14,494
APJ
China	2,209		2,436		3,225
Other APJ	4,659		6,189		8,257
Total APJ	6,868		8,625		11,482
Total	$	32,385	$	38,804	$	38,730

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Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]



	Three months ended
	December 2016			September 2016			June 2016			March 2016			December 2015			September 2015			June 2015			March 2015
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
Revenues	$	7,498		$	8,179		$	8,061		$	8,647		$	9,590		$	9,983		$	9,363		$	9,868
Cost of revenues	3,375			3,707			3,415			3,805			4,093			4,370			3,821			4,244
Gross profit	4,123			4,472			4,646			4,842			5,497			5,613			5,542			5,624
Operating expenses:
Product development	2,119			1,963			1,985			2,193			2,341			2,454			2,340			2,612
Sales and marketing	1,638			1,570			1,679			1,302			1,602			1,848			2,194			2,188
General and administrative	1,782			2,087			2,197			2,011			1,694			2,547			2,187			2,821
Goodwill impairment	—			—			—			—			5,698			—			—			—
Lease termination charges	—			—			—			—			—			—			3,337			—
Restructuring charges	286			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Total operating expenses	5,825			5,620			5,861			5,506			11,335			6,849			10,058			7,621
Loss from operations	(1,702		)	(1,148		)	(1,215		)	(664		)	(5,838		)	(1,236		)	(4,516		)	(1,997		)
Interest and other income (expense), net	567			(57		)	503			(205		)	227			184			(458		)	838
Interest expense on lease financing obligations	—			—			—			—			(2		)	(5		)	(128		)	(252		)
Loss before provision for income taxes	(1,135		)	(1,205		)	(712		)	(869		)	(5,613		)	(1,057		)	(5,102		)	(1,411		)
Income tax expense (benefit)	102			23			51			6			(14		)	(10		)	61			13
Net loss	$	(1,237	)	$	(1,228	)	$	(763	)	$	(875	)	$	(5,599	)	$	(1,047	)	$	(5,163	)	$	(1,424	)

Basic and diluted net loss per share	$	(0.28	)	$	(0.28	)	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.20	)	$	(1.27	)	$	(0.24	)	$	(1.17	)	$	(0.32	)
Shares used in net loss per share calculation:
Basic	4,432			4,431			4,420			4,417			4,416			4,413			4,406			4,395
Diluted	4,432			4,431			4,420			4,417			4,416			4,413			4,406			4,395

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 segment	Sep. 30, 2014 segment	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) customer segment country	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) customer	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of countries in which Company maintains offices (in country) \| country				7
Number of reporting segments (in segment) \| segment		2	2	1
Loss on write down of property, equipment and other \| $	$ 4,409			$ 0	$ 0	$ 4,409
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of net revenue				32.80%	37.20%	33.90%
Number of Customers \| customer				1	2

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Concentration of Credit Risk (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Percentage of net revenue	32.80%	37.20%	33.90%
Percentage of accounts receivable total	26.90%	31.10%
Enel [Member] [Member]
Percentage of accounts receivable	0.00%	18.20%
Avnet
Percentage of accounts receivable	26.90%	12.90%

XML 59 R47.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2016

Mar. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

^[1]

New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]

Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption

$ 0

Additional Paid-in Capital

$ 7,498

$ 8,179

$ 8,061

$ 8,647

9,590

$ 9,983

$ 9,363

$ 9,868

$ 32,385

^[1]

38,804

^[1]

$ 38,730

New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]

Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption

(675)

Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 | New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect | Additional Paid-in Capital

New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]

Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption

$ 675

Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect

New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

$ 14,700

[1]	Includes related party amounts of $1,313, $4,909, and $2,993 in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. See Note 14 for additional information on related party transactions.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves	$ 148	$ 164
Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves	2,422	2,729
Inventory, Net	$ 2,570	$ 2,893

XML 61 R49.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued payroll and related costs	$ 1,299	$ 2,119
Product Warranty Accrual	245	120
Warranty reserve		120
Contingent consideration	0	318
Restructuring charges	273	0
Other accrued liabilities	484	328
Accrued Liabilities, Current	$ 2,174	$ 2,885

XML 62 R50.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Computation of Basic and Diluted net loss per share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent											$ (15,611)
Net loss from continuing operations									$ (4,103)	$ (13,233)	(15,611)
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent									0	0	(8,715)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ (1,237)	$ (1,228)	$ (763)	$ (875)	$ (5,599)	$ (1,047)	$ (5,163)	$ (1,424)	$ (4,103)	$ (13,233)	$ (24,326)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	4,432,000	4,431,000	4,420,000	4,417,000	4,416,000	4,413,000	4,406,000	4,395,000	4,425,000	4,409,000	4,350,000
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment									0	0	0
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	4,432,000	4,431,000	4,420,000	4,417,000	4,416,000	4,413,000	4,406,000	4,395,000	4,425,000	4,409,000	4,350,000
Basic and diluted net loss per share from continuing operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$ (0.28)	$ (0.28)	$ (0.17)	$ (0.20)	$ (1.27)	$ (0.24)	$ (1.17)	$ (0.32)	$ (0.93)	$ (3.00)	$ (3.59)
Basic and diluted net loss per share from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders									0.00	0.00	(2.00)
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders									$ (0.93)	$ (3.00)	$ (5.59)
Stock Awards Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Amount									837,035	367,363	406,134

XML 63 R51.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Impairment of long lived assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Loss on write down of property, equipment and other	$ 4,409	$ 0	$ 0	$ 4,409

XML 64 R52.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Level 3 financial liabilities ending balance

$ 318

$ 968

Fair value of asset measured on a recurring basis

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

16,978

$ 11,983

16,978

318

Adjustment to contingent consideration

$ (318)

(577)

(318)

(650)

$ 43

Decrease in contingent consideration liability due to performance targets

(759)

Amortization of contingent consideration

109

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]

Fair value of asset measured on a recurring basis

^[1]

2,305

4,513

2,305

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

^[2]

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]

2,305

4,513

2,305

Fair value of asset measured on a recurring basis

^[1]

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

^[2]

18,379

13,233

18,379

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

18,379

13,233

18,379

Fair value of asset measured on a recurring basis

^[1]

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

^[2]

318

318

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair value of asset measured on a recurring basis

^[1]

2,305

4,513

2,305

^[2]

18,379

13,233

18,379

318

Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Description and Timing of Disposal

$ 20,684

$ 17,746

$ 20,684

[1]	Included in cash and cash equivalents in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets
[2]	Represents the portfolio of available-for-sale securities and is included in restricted investments and short-term investments in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets

XML 65 R53.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Financial Instruments-Available for Sale Securities (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair value of short term investment unrealized holdings and gains
Amortized Cost	$ 11,984	$ 16,989
Aggregate fair value	11,983	16,978
Unrealized Holdings gains	0	0
Unrealized Holdings Losses	$ 1	$ 11

XML 66 R54.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Financial Instruments (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Short-term investments contractual maturity period minimum										5 months
Short-term investments contractual maturity period maximum										6 months
Average short-term investments maturity period										3 months
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment charges	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 5,698	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0		$ 0	$ 5,698	$ 0
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment charges								$ 5,700	$ 3,400			$ 3,388

XML 67 R55.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Computer and other equipment	$ 3,370	$ 3,253
Software	3,130	3,130
Furniture and fixtures	110	106
Leasehold improvements	194	191
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	6,804	6,680
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(6,359)	(6,085)
Property and equipment, net	$ 445	$ 595

XML 68 R56.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Property and Equipment Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
Property and Equipment Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2008 USD ($) renewal_option	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2000 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 1999 USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 48,900
Number of renewals permitted under building lease \| renewal_option	2
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term	5 years
Capital Lease Obligations Recorded	$ 27,600														$ 15,200	$ 12,000
Increase in lease financing obligations	$ 12,500
Loss on write down of property, equipment and other										$ 4,409		$ 0	$ 0	$ 4,409
Up-front lease termination charges								$ 10,000
Decrease in building related financing obligations								15,300
Loss on contract termination		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	3,337	$ 0			0	3,337	0
Capital Leases, Income Statement, Amortization Expense													1,100	1,900
Net Book value of Buildings leased						0							0
Lease expense for land under operating lease													617	741
Repayment of Other Debt, Building Leases													11,300	2,200
Interest Expense, Other		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (2)	$ (5)	$ (128)	$ (252)			$ 0	$ (387)	$ (1,100)
Impairment of long-lived assets held-for-use included in discontinued operations											$ 687

XML 69 R57.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Property and Equipment Useful Lives (Details)	12 Months Ended
Property and Equipment Useful Lives (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015
Computer And related software [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	2 years
Computer And related software [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Other Equipment [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	2 years
Other Equipment [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	2 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Telecommunication Equipment [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years

XML 70 R58.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($)	Aug. 15, 2014	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability			$ 318,000			$ 318,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Average Closing Stock Price					6 days
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Goodwill			0		$ 0	0	$ 5,936,000	$ 8,390,000
Decrease in contingent consideration		$ 318,000	577,000		318,000	650,000	$ (43,000)
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Identifiable intangible assets					800,000
Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible asset, useful life range, Low value				6 years 6 months
Fair value inputs, discount range, low end of range				21.00%
Fair value inputs, discount range, high end of range				22.00%
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Identifiable intangible assets					500,000
Trade Names [Member]
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Identifiable intangible assets					$ 200,000
Lumewave, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Effective Date of Acquisition					Aug. 15, 2014
Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	100.00%
Name of Acquired Entity					Lumewave, Inc.
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 1,800,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable	715,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	1,300,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability			$ 318,000	$ 925,000	$ 0	$ 318,000
Business Acquisition, Working Capital Adjustment to Consideration Transferrred	225,000
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Cash and cash equivalents	630,000
Accounts receivable	107,000
Inventory	31,000
Other current assets	259,000
Property and equipment	23,000
Identifiable intangible assets	1,500,000
Goodwill	1,257,000
Accounts payable	(352,000)
Accrued liabilities	(255,000)
Total assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net	$ 3,200,000

XML 71 R59.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

9/30/2014

Proceeds from divestiture of Grid business, net of transaction costs

$ 4,900

$ 0

$ 2,144

Supply commitment term

39 months

Restructuring Costs in Discontinued Operations

1,400

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes

18,392

Cost of revenues

11,774

Operating expenses

15,614

(8,996)

Income taxes

Loss on sale of Grid business

(254)

Net loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

^[1]

(9,250)

Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to non-controlling interest, net of income taxes

(535)

Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders, net of income taxes

$ 0

(8,715)

Revenues from related parties, discontinued operations

$ 112

[1]	See Note 8 for summary of amounts included representing stock-based compensation expense.

XML 72 R60.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Balance at beginning of year	$ (1,594)	$ (431)
Current period change	(843)	(1,163)
Balance at year end	(2,437)	(1,594)
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Balance at beginning of year	(1,582)	(424)
Current period change	(853)	(1,158)
Balance at year end	(2,435)	(1,582)
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Balance at beginning of year	(12)	(7)
Current period change	10	(5)
Balance at year end	$ (2)	$ (12)

XML 73 R61.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans (Details Textual)			12 Months Ended
	Apr. 22, 2016 right $ / shares shares	Dec. 07, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016 $ / shares shares	Oct. 31, 2016 shares	Dec. 31, 2015 $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2014 shares	Dec. 31, 2013 shares	Apr. 01, 2013 shares	Mar. 31, 2013 shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Class Of Warrant Or Right, Exclusion Of Beneficial Owners, Beneficial Ownership Percentage	4.99%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized				500,000
Number of shares outstanding			505,872		285,536	259,679	410,484		550,540
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance								1,090,540	2,097,283
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant			602,825		517,505	515,217	457,585		1,546,743
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized			5,000,000		5,000,000
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share \| $ / shares	$ 0.01		$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized			10,000,000		10,000,000
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share \| $ / shares			$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding			4,431,736		4,416,452
Common Stock, Dividend, Rights Issued \| right	1
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right	0.0010
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Reverse stock split ratio		0.1
2016 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares outstanding			687,036
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance			1,200,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant			502,825
1997 Stock Plan [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Award vesting period (in years)			4 years
2016 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized			250,000
Number of shares outstanding			150,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant			100,000
Granted After March 31, 2013 [Member] \| 2016 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] \| Stock Options [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Award expiration term (in years)			10 years
Minimum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Award vesting period (in years)			2 years
Minimum [Member] \| 1997 Stock Plan [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Exercise price \| $ / shares			$ 0
Maximum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Award vesting period (in years)			3 years
Maximum [Member] \| 1997 Stock Plan [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Exercise price \| $ / shares			$ 1

XML 74 R62.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans Stock Award Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Number of Shares Available for Grant, Opening Balance	517,505	515,217	457,585
Options and SARS, Outstanding, Number, opening balance	285,536	259,679	410,484
Options and SARS, Outstanding opening balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price,	$ 24.72	$ 34.00	$ 41.30
Number Of Shares Available For Grant, Options ans SARS Granted	(275,250)	(112,600)	(46,800)
Options and SARS, Grants in Period	275,250	112,600	46,800
Options and SARS, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 5.07	$ 9.14	$ 24.60
Number of shares available for grant, RSU granted	(460,209)	(83,555)	(219,153)
Number Of Shares Available For Grant, Options and SARS Canceled	54,914	86,743	197,066
Options and SARS, Forfeitures in Period	(54,914)	(86,743)	(197,066)
Options and SARS, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 25.50	$ 32.38	$ 47.00
Number of shares available for grant, RSU canceled	29,211	111,700	126,519
Options and SARS, Exercises in Period, Shares			(539)
Options and SARS, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price			$ 31.70
Unissued shares returned to plan			0
New plan shares approved, Shares	750,000
Unissued shares eliminated from plan, Shares	(13,346)
Number of Shares Available for Grant, Ending Balance	602,825	517,505	515,217
Options and SARS, Outstanding, Number, Closing balance	505,872	285,536	259,679
Options and SARS, Outstanding ending balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 13.94	$ 24.72	$ 34.00
Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	$ 0	$ 0	$ 3

XML 75 R63.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans 1997 Stock Plan (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 01, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance					1,090,540	2,097,283
Options and SARS, Outstanding, Number	505,872	285,536	259,679	410,484		550,540
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Additional Shares Authorized in 2013 Amendment					540,000
New plan shares approved, Shares	750,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	602,825	517,505	515,217	457,585		1,546,743
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period (in years)	4 years
2016 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	1,200,000
Options and SARS, Outstanding, Number	687,036
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	502,825
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Purchase price as a percent of fair market value	100.00%
Purchase price as a percent of fair market value for owners of more than 10% of stock	110.00%
2016 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] \| Granted After March 31, 2013 [Member] \| Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award expiration term (in years)	10 years
1997 Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Purchase price as a percent of fair market value	100.00%
Award vesting period (in years)	4 years
1997 Stock Plan [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award expiration term (in years)	5 years
Award vesting period (in years)	4 years
1997 Stock Plan [Member] \| Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Purchase price as a percent of fair market value	100.00%
Award expiration term (in years)	5 years
Award vesting period (in years)	4 years
1997 Stock Plan [Member] \| Granted From May 6, 2003 To March 31, 2013 [Member] \| Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award expiration term (in years)	5 years

XML 76 R64.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans RSU and RSA Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
RSU/ RSA Nonvested and outstanding opening balance, Number	64,714	129,322	136,711
RSU/ RSA Nonvested and Outstanding Opening balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 14.45	$ 33.15	$ 52.20
RSU/ RSA, Grants in Period	307,770	49,150	128,945
RSU/RSA, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 5.21	$ 9.03	$ 25.03
RSU/RSA Vested in Period	(23,993)	(40,414)	(50,022)
RSU/ RSA Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 14.31	$ 35.32	$ 57.84
RSU/ RSA Forfeited in Period	(17,328)	(73,344)	(86,312)
RSU/RSA, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 17.06	$ 32.29	$ 36.88
RSU/ RSA Nonvested and outstanding ending balance, Number	331,163	64,714	129,322
RSU/ RSA Nonvested and Outstanding Closing balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 5.74	$ 14.45	$ 33.15
Total fair value of RSUs vested and released	$ 118	$ 379,000	$ 1,200
RSU, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	331,163
RSU, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 1,557
Share Price	$ 4.70

XML 77 R65.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans Stock option outstanding by exercise price range (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options and SARS Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	8 years 2 months 5 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 4
Options and SARS, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 13.94	$ 24.72	$ 34.00	$ 41.30
Options and SARS, Outstanding, Number	505,872	285,536	259,679	410,484	550,540
Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	483,234
Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	8 years 2 months 5 days
Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 14.29
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 4
Options, Exercisable, Number	200,830
Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 5 months 12 days
Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 24.70
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$ 3,800
$4.51-$4.73
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 4.51
Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 4.73
Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options and SARS	80,000
Options and SARS Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	9 years 4 months 13 days
Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 4.68
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 4
5.22
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 5.22
Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 5.22
Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options and SARS	187,000
Options and SARS Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	9 years 8 months 27 days
Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 5.22
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 0
5.45-9.11
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 5.45
Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 9.11
Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options and SARS	87,750
Options and SARS Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	8 years 6 months
Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 8.70
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 0
9.15-23.70
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 9.15
Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 23.7
Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options and SARS	84,490
Options and SARS Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	7 years 22 days
Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 21.26
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 0
24.20-35.20
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 24.20
Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 35.20
Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options and SARS	41,632
Options and SARS Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 11 days
Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 30.72
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 0
$74.60
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 74.6
Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 74.6
Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options and SARS	25,000
Options and SARS Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	7 months 17 days
Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 74.60
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 0

XML 78 R66.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Stock Based Compensation Stock Based Compensation, Fair Value assumptions (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	1.20%	1.70%	2.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	58.10%	56.30%	66.30%
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	5 years 1 month 13 days	5 years 29 days	5 years 11 months 23 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 2.55	$ 4.54	$ 14.70
Contractual term of options awarded	10 years

XML 79 R67.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Stock Based Compensation Equity Compensation expense for RSUs and RSAs with Financial or other Performance based vesting requirments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended		23 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted		70,080
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Compensation Cost Recognized Share Based Awards Other than Options		$ 324
Fair Value of Performance Awards on Grant Date		2,277
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized		$ 1,953
Latest Date that Performance condition could be met
Aug 2010 Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted		8,000
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Compensation Cost Recognized Share Based Awards Other than Options		$ 0
Fair Value of Performance Awards on Grant Date		596
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized		$ 596
Latest Date that Performance condition could be met		April 2015
November 2011 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted		5,000
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Compensation Cost Recognized Share Based Awards Other than Options		$ 0
Fair Value of Performance Awards on Grant Date		277
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized		$ 277
Latest Date that Performance condition could be met		April 2015
August 2010 and November 2011 Grant Date [Member]
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Compensation Cost Recognized Share Based Awards Other than Options			$ 264
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Compensation Cost Reversed Share Based Awards Other than Options		$ 264
Number of non-vested equity-based payment instruments with performance condition excluding stock (or unit) options		13,000
June 2014 Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted		57,080
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Compensation Cost Recognized Share Based Awards Other than Options		$ 324
Fair Value of Performance Awards on Grant Date		1,404		$ 743	$ 2,300
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized		$ 1,080
Latest Date that Performance condition could be met		December 2014
Number of non-vested equity-based payment instruments with performance condition excluding stock (or unit) options	8,050			30,200	95,330.00
Fair Value of Performance Awards on Grant Date for employees who terminated	$ 198
Grant date fair value of awards that will not vest	$ 965

XML 80 R68.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Stock Based Compensation Expense Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized		$ 1,905
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		1 year 2 months 22 days
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	$ 746	$ 293	$ 1,197
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	0	0	(342)
Cost of Sales [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	48	(74)	292
Product Development [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	173	304	(73)
Selling and Marketing Expense [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	57	(92)	206
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	468	155	1,114
Total Share based compensation costs prior to tax benefit [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	746	293	1,197
Tax benefit [Member]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

XML 81 R69.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Significant Customers (Details) - customer	12 Months Ended
Significant Customers (Details) - customer	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]
Number of Customers	1	2
Total	32.80%	37.20%	33.90%
Avnet
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]
Total	28.70%	24.50%	26.20%
Cancellation notice period	90 days
Enel
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]
Total	4.10%	12.70%	7.70%

XML 82 R70.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended										9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) segment	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($) segment	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) segment acquistion	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number of reporting segments (in segment) \| segment										2	2	1
Number of acquisitions \| acquistion												4
Changes in Goodwill
Balance as of Period Start				$ 0				$ 5,936			$ 8,390	$ 0	$ 5,936	$ 8,390
Unrealized foreign currency translation loss													(238)	(323)
Goodwill impairment	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (5,698)	$ 0	$ 0	0				0	(5,698)	0
Goodwill, Acquired During Period														1,257
Balance as of Period End	$ 0				$ 0					$ 8,390		$ 0	$ 0	5,936
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Changes in Goodwill
Goodwill impairment								$ (5,700)	$ (3,400)					$ (3,388)

XML 83 R71.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization	$ (230)	$ (230)	$ (87)
Gross Carrying Value	1,500
Accumulated Amortization	(547)
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 953	1,183	1,413
Weighted-Average Remaining Useful Life (in years)	4 years 1 month 17 days
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 123	123	46
Amortization of intangible assets included in operating expenses	107	107	41
Amortization of Intangible Assets	(230)	$ (230)	$ (87)
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	800
Gross Carrying Value	800
Accumulated Amortization	(292)
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 508
Weighted-Average Remaining Useful Life (in years)	4 years 1 month 17 days
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	$ 500
Gross Carrying Value	500
Accumulated Amortization	(182)
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 318
Weighted-Average Remaining Useful Life (in years)	4 years 1 month 17 days
Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	$ 200
Gross Carrying Value	200
Accumulated Amortization	(73)
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 127
Weighted-Average Remaining Useful Life (in years)	4 years 1 month 17 days

XML 84 R72.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Amortization Expense by Fiscal Year (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2017	$ 229
2018	229
2019	229
2020	229
2021	37
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 953	$ 1,183	$ 1,413

XML 85 R73.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Commitments and Contingencies Future minimum lease payments for Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Future Minimum Payments for Operating Leases
2017	$ 974
2018	841
2019	467
Total payments	2,282
Deferred Rent Credit	193	$ 112
Deferred Rent Credit, Current	59	15
Rent expense	994	1,260	$ 1,483
Sublease rentals	0	(685)	(202)
Rent expense included in discontinued operations	0	0	(160)
Rent expense, net	$ 994	$ 575	$ 1,121

XML 86 R74.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Commitments and Contingencies Royalties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Royalty Expense	$ 264	$ 390	$ 500
Disposal group, including discontinued operation, royalty expense	$ 1

XML 87 R75.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Commitments and Contingencies Line of Credit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Line of Credit Maintained	$ 5,000	$ 1,000
Collateral required - old line of credit	$ 6,300
Restricted investments		$ 1,250	$ 1,401

XML 88 R76.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Loss from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic									$ (4,632)	$ (11,932)	$ (15,592)
Income (loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign									711	(1,251)	192
Loss before provision for income taxes	$ (1,135)	$ (1,205)	$ (712)	$ (869)	$ (5,613)	$ (1,057)	$ (5,102)	$ (1,411)	$ (3,921)	$ (13,183)	$ (15,400)

XML 89 R77.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Income Taxes Components of income tax expense/ (benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Federal:
Current									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Deferred									0	0	0
Total federal provision									0	0	0
State:
Current									18	20	16
Deferred									0	0	0
Total state provision									18	20	16
Foreign:
Current									164	30	195
Deferred									0	0	0
Total foreign provision									164	30	195
Total income tax expense	$ 102	$ 23	$ 51	$ 6	$ (14)	$ (10)	$ 61	$ 13	$ 182	$ 50	$ 211

XML 90 R78.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Income Taxes Effective Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory tax rate									35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Federal tax at statutory rate of 35%									$ (1,372)	$ (4,615)	$ (5,390)
State taxes, net of federal benefit									(171)	(634)	(577)
U.S.-Foreign rate differential									(96)	480	100
Change in Valuation Allowance									939	3,072	4,115
Research and Development credits									233	175	357
Permanent items									657	1,566	1,560
Others									(8)	6	46
Total income tax expense	$ 102	$ 23	$ 51	$ 6	$ (14)	$ (10)	$ 61	$ 13	$ 182	$ 50	$ 211

XML 91 R79.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Income Taxes Components of deferred tax asset/ liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carry forwards	$ 100,378	$ 83,522
Tax credit carry forwards	19,248	18,940
Fixed and intangible assets	597	868
Capitalized research and development costs	58	58
Stock based compensation and other reserves and allowances	3,445	3,828
Gross deferred income tax assets	123,726	107,216
Valuation allowance	(123,726)	(107,216)
Net deferred income tax assets	$ 0	$ 0
Percentage of deferred tax assets on which valuation allowance is created		100.00%

XML 92 R80.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Income Taxes Components of Deferred Tax asset/ liability (Textual) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries	$ 2.3
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	118.5
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] \| Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	16.2
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 256.8
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	Dec. 31, 2036
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] \| Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	$ 11.2
Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Date	Dec. 31, 2036

XML 93 R81.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Income Taxes Company's uncertain tax positions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance as of the beginning of the year	$ 9,066	$ 1,359
Tax positions related to current year:
Additions	152	147
Reductions	(14)	(18)
Tax positions related to prior years:
Additions	80	7,991
Reductions	(4)	(28)
Settlements	0	0
Lapses in statute of limitations	(64)	(385)
Balance as of the end of the year	9,216	9,066	$ 1,359
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	364
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	62
Unrecognized tax benfits, reduction in accrued interest and penalties	$ 12	$ 25	$ 35

XML 94 R82.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Warranty Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Product Warranty Liability [Line Items]
Warranty reserve	$ 245	$ 120
Other long-term liabilities
Product Warranty Liability [Line Items]
Warranty reserve	$ 118

XML 95 R83.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Related Parties (Details Textual) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2000 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues \| shares	300
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues \| $	$ 130,700
Number of shares sold by Related Party. \| shares		0
Number of board members Related Party can nominate		1
Number of Related Party Representatives on Board		0
Revenue from Related Parties \| $		$ 1,313	$ 4,909	$ 2,993

XML 96 R84.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Restructuring Restructuring Plan (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Restructuring Restructuring Plan (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) employee	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) employee	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 286	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 286	$ 0	$ 391
Restructuring Reserve, Current	273				0				$ 273	0
2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of Positions Eliminated (in employee) \| employee									7
Restructuring Reserve					0					0
Restructuring charges									$ 300
Payments for Restructuring									(13)
Restructuring Reserve, Current	$ 273								$ 273
2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of Positions Eliminated (in employee) \| employee											44
Restructuring Reserve											$ 701	$ 0
Restructuring charges										0	1,841
Payments for Restructuring										(701)	(1,140)
Restructuring Reserve, Current					$ 0					$ 0	$ 701

XML 97 R85.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Restructuring Restructuring Plan (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) employee	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) employee
Restructuring charges	$ 286	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 286	$ 0	$ 391
Restructuring Costs in Discontinued Operations									$ 1,400
2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Number of Positions Eliminated (in employee) \| employee									7
Restructuring charges									$ 300
2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Number of Positions Eliminated (in employee) \| employee											44
Restructuring charges										$ 0	$ 1,841
Restructuring Costs in Discontinued Operations											$ 1,400

XML 98 R86.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Valuation and Qualifying accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Opening Balance	$ 31	$ 57	$ 353
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	5	(19)	(46)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments	0	7	250
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Closing Balance	36	31	57
Allowance for Sales Returns [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Opening Balance	490	401	530
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	3,713	3,442	3,729
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments	3,675	3,353	3,858
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Closing Balance	$ 528	$ 490	$ 401

XML 99 R87.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Segment Disclosure (Details Textual) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Segment Disclosure (Details Textual) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2013 segment	Sep. 30, 2014 segment	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) segment geographic_area	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reporting segments (in segment) \| segment	2	2	1
Number of geographic areas \| geographic_area			3
Long-lived assets US \| $			$ 2.2	$ 2.6

XML 100 R88.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Segment Disclosure (Details 1) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2016

Mar. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

$ 7,498

$ 8,179

$ 8,061

$ 8,647

$ 9,590

$ 9,983

$ 9,363

$ 9,868

$ 32,385

^[1]

$ 38,804

^[1]

$ 38,730

^[1]

United States [Member]

10,309

11,138

10,680

Other Americas [Member]

1,093

1,242

2,074

Total Americas [Member]

11,402

12,380

12,754

Germany [Member]

8,749

9,987

10,733

Other EMEA [Member]

5,366

7,812

3,761

Total EMEA [Member]

14,115

17,799

14,494

China [Member]

2,209

2,436

3,225

Other APJ [Member]

4,659

6,189

8,257

Total APJ [Member]

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

$ 6,868

$ 8,625

$ 11,482

[1]	Includes related party amounts of $1,313, $4,909, and $2,993 in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. See Note 14 for additional information on related party transactions.

XML 101 R89.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Joint Venture (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Joint Venture (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Less Than Wholly Owned Subsidiary [Abstract]
Ownership interest in the joint venture	51.00%
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	$ 0	$ 0	$ 535
Registered capital of the Joint venture	$ 4,000

XML 102 R90.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2016

Mar. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014