Defined Benefit Plans (Schedule of Maxwell SA Net Pension Cost )(Details) - Swiss Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Schedule of net periodic pension cost
Service cost	$ 321	$ 241
Interest cost	60	56
Expected return on plan assets	(334)	(247)
Prior service cost amortization	24	36
Net pension cost	71	86
Cost recognized as a component of compensation cost
Schedule of net periodic pension cost
Net pension cost	321	241
Net cost recognized in other components of defined benefit plans, net
Schedule of net periodic pension cost
Net pension cost	$ (250)	$ (155)