DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business CalAmp Corp. (referred to herein as “CalAmp”, “the Company”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is a telematics pioneer leading transformation in a global connected economy. We help reinvent businesses and improve lives around the globe with technology solutions that streamline complex Internet of Things (“IoT”) deployments through wireless connectivity solutions and derived data intelligence. Our software applications, scalable cloud services, and intelligent devices collect and assess business-critical data anywhere in the world from industrial machines, commercial and passenger vehicles, their passengers and contents. We are a global organization that is headquartered in Irvine, California. Historically, our business activities were organized into two reportable segments – Wireless DataCom and Satellite. Our products in the Satellite business were sold to one principal customer – EchoStar, an affiliate of Dish Network. In April 2016, EchoStar notified us that it would terminate its supply arrangement with us due to consolidation of its supplier base. Effective August 31, 2016, we ceased operations of the Satellite business and through the first quarter of fiscal 2018 operated under one reportable segment: Wireless DataCom. In the quarter ended August 31, 2017, in order to streamline our operations, global sales organization and product line development resources, we realigned our operations and we now operate under two reportable segments: Telematics Systems and Software & Subscription Services. In March 2016, we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of LoJack Corporation (“LoJack”), a global leader in products and services for tracking and recovering stolen cars, trucks and other valuable mobile assets. LoJack provides us with access to a U.S. auto dealer channel as well as an established international licensee network. See Note 2 for a description of this acquisition.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CalAmp Corp. (a Delaware corporation) and all of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the allowance for doubtful accounts; estimate for the lower of cost or market for excess and obsolete inventory; product warranties; deferred income tax asset valuation allowances; intangible assets and other long-lived assets; intellectual property and accrued royalties; stock-based compensation; other contingencies and revenue recognition. The current economic environment, and supplier and customer concentrations also increase the degree of uncertainty inherent in these estimates and assumptions.
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year Our fiscal year ends on the last day in February of each year. In these consolidated financial statements, the fiscal year end for all years is shown as February 28 for clarity of presentation. The actual period end date for fiscal 2016 was February 29, 2016.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue from product sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection of the sales price is reasonably assured. For product sales that are not bundled with an application service or for which we have no continuing service obligations, the revenue recognition criteria are generally met at the time product is shipped or installed. For product shipments made on the basis of “FOB Destination” terms, revenue is recorded when the shipment reaches the customer. Customers generally do not have a right of return except for defective products returned during the warranty period. We record estimated commitments related to customer incentive programs as reductions of revenues. In addition to product sales, we provide Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) and Platform-as-a-Service (“PaaS”) subscriptions for our fleet management, vehicle finance and certain other verticals through which customers are provided with the ability to wirelessly communicate with monitoring devices installed in vehicles and other mobile or remote assets via software applications hosted by us. We also enter into arrangements which combine various hardware devices as well as installation and notification services that are provided over a stipulated service period. These arrangements represent multiple element arrangements under ASC 605 Subtopic 25 entitled Revenue Recognition: Multiple-Element Arrangements (“ASC 605”). Generally, we defer the recognition of revenue for the products that are sold with application subscriptions and other services because the products are not functional without the application services, and they do not represent a separate basis of accounting under the applicable accounting guidance. In such circumstances, the associated product costs are recorded as deferred costs in the balance sheet. The deferred product revenue and deferred product cost amounts are amortized to application subscriptions revenue and cost of revenue, respectively, on a straight-line basis over minimum contractual subscription or service periods of one to five years. Revenues from renewals of data communication services after the initial contract term are recognized as application subscriptions revenue over the period the services are provided. When customers prepay application subscription renewals, such amounts are recorded as deferred revenues and are recognized ratably over the renewal term. In the United States, we also sell certain LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery (”SVR”) products with early warning products and services in transactions which constitute a multiple element arrangement under ASC 605. The combined product and service arrangement includes hardware devices, installation services and an ongoing early warning automated notification service, which is provided over the period of vehicle ownership. In the transactions, the product hardware and installation service components of each sale are considered to have met the delivery requirements and have standalone value to provide for revenue recognition upon installation; however, revenues from the ongoing notification service are deferred and recognized over an estimated life of new vehicle ownership. Revenues for the early warning notification services and extended product warranties are presented combined within Products revenues in our statement of comprehensive income (loss). In Italy, we generally sell the combined LoJack SVR product in connection with an initial vehicle monitoring service contract which we generally require at the time the consumer purchases the product. Revenue for the service arrangement is recognized over the life of the contract or subscription service period. These contracts are offered with terms ranging from 8 to 96 months and are generally payable in full upon activation of the related SVR unit or renewal of the previous contract. The product revenues for these customer arrangements are presented combined within Application subscriptions and other services in our statement of comprehensive income (loss) as the products and services are customarily part of one customer contractual arrangement.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments with maturities at date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Concentrations of Credit Risk	Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash equivalents, marketable debt securities and trade accounts receivables. Cash and cash equivalents as well as investments are maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the federally insured limits. These deposits are maintained with reputable financial institutions and are redeemable upon demand. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable consists of amounts due to us from sales arrangements executed in our normal business activities and are recorded at invoiced amounts. We present the aggregate accounts receivable balance net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. We mitigate a portion of our receivables credit risk through credit insurance. Generally, collateral and other security is not obtained for outstanding accounts receivable. Credit losses, if any, are recognized based on management’s evaluation of historical collection experience, customer-specific financial conditions as well as an evaluation of current industry trends and general economic conditions. Past due balances are assessed by management on a monthly basis and balances are written off when the customer’s financial condition no longer warrants pursuit of collection. Although we expect to collect amounts due, actual collections may differ from estimated amounts.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (using the first-in, first-out method) or market (net realizable value). Inventories are reviewed for excess quantities and obsolescence based upon demand forecasts for a specific time horizon. We record a charge to cost of revenues for the amount required to reduce the carrying value of inventory to estimated net realizable value.
Property and Equipment	Property and equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the respective estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from two to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the assets. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. We capitalize certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining internal-use software and software embedded in our products. These costs are recorded as property and equipment in our consolidated balance sheets and are amortized over useful lives ranging from three to seven years.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations The purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. To the extent the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and labilities assumed, such excess is allocated to goodwill. We determine the estimated fair values after review and consideration of relevant information, including discounted cash flows, quoted market prices and other estimates made by management. We may refine the preliminary purchase price allocation, as necessary, during the measurement period of up to one year after the acquisition closing date as we obtain more information as to facts and circumstances existing at the acquisition date impacting the asset valuations and liabilities assumed. Goodwill acquired in business combinations is assigned to the reporting unit expected to benefit from the combination as of the acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs are recognized separately from the acquisition and are expensed as incurred.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill is recorded as the difference between the aggregate consideration paid in a business combination and the fair value of the acquired net tangible and intangible assets. Goodwill is not amortized but rather tested for impairment on an annual or interim basis as deemed necessary. Our acquired identifiable intangible assets from business combinations consist principally of developed technology, customer lists, dealer relationships and tradenames. Our acquired intangible assets with definite lives are amortized from the date of acquisition over periods ranging from two to ten years using a method that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are consumed or otherwise used or, if that pattern cannot be reliability determined, using a straight-line amortization method.
Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets We evaluate goodwill for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter, or on an interim basis, if we believe indicators of impairment exist. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we conduct a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The first step of the impairment test involves comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, we perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test. The second step of the goodwill impairment test involves comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying value of the goodwill. The amount by which the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its implied fair value will be recognized as an impairment loss. In fiscal 2017, we performed a qualitative assessment and concluded that the fair value of our reporting unit is more than its carrying amount. In fiscal 2018, we conducted a quantitative goodwill impairment test and did not identify an impairment indicator as part of our quantitative step 1 analysis. Long-lived assets to be held and used, including identifiable intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances may include a significant deterioration of operating results, changes in business plans or changes in anticipated future cash flows. If an impairment indicator is present, we evaluate recoverability by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If the assets are impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the assets. Fair value is generally determined by estimates of discounted cash flows. The discount rate used in any estimate of discounted cash flows would be the rate required for similar investment of like risk.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Our cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short term maturities of these items. Our marketable securities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The framework for measuring fair value and related disclosure requirements about fair value measurements are provided in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements (ASC 820). This pronouncement defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy proscribed by ASC 820 contains three levels as follows: Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 – Inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimate of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. In certain cases, costs are incurred to purchase materials and equipment for future use in research and development efforts. In such cases, these costs are capitalized and expensed as consumed.
Product Warranty	Product Warranty All products have a one- or two-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects and workmanship. We estimate the future costs relating to product returns subject to our warranty and record a reserve upon shipment of our products. We periodically adjust our estimates for actual warranty claims, historical claims experience as well as the impact of known product operational issues.
Patent Litigation and Other Contingencies	Patent Litigation and Other Contingencies We accrue for patent litigation and other contingencies whenever we determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and a liability is reasonably estimable. The amount of the accrual is estimated based a review of each claim, including the type and facts of the claim and our assessment of the merits of the claim. These accruals are reviewed at least on a quarterly basis and are adjusted to reflect the impact of recent negotiations, settlements, court rulings, advice from legal counsel and other events pertaining to the case. Such accruals, if any, are recorded as general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Although we take considerable measures to mitigate our exposure in these matters, litigation is unpredictable; however, we believe that we have valid defenses with respect to pending legal matters against us as well as adequate provisions for probable and estimable losses.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We use the asset and liability method when accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to difference 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 the 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. We recognize the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgement occurs. Valuation allowances are provided against tax assets when it is determined that it is more likely than not that the assets will not be realized. In assessing valuation allowances, we review historical and future expected operating results and other factors, including cumulative earnings experience, expectations of future taxable income by jurisdiction and the carryforward periods available for reporting purposes.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation We translate the assets and liabilities of our non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the end of each period. Revenue and expenses for these subsidiaries are translated using rates that approximate those in effect during the period. Gains and losses from these translations are recognized in foreign currency translation included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) during the period. The aggregate foreign currency transaction exchange rate losses included in determining income (loss) before income taxes were $0.5 million, $0.1 million $27.0 thousand in fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Our stock-based compensation expense resulting from grants of employee stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units is recognized in the consolidated financial statements based on the respective grant date fair values of the awards. We generally estimate stock option grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model and recognize the expense over a requisite service (vesting) period using the straight-line method. The measurement of stock-based compensation is based on several criteria such as the type of equity award, the valuation model used and associated input factors including the expected term of the award, stock price volatility, risk free interest rate and forfeiture rate. Certain of these inputs are subjective and are determined based in part on management's judgment.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of two components, net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”). OCI refers to revenue, expenses and gains and losses that under U.S. GAAP are recorded as an element of stockholders’ equity and excluded from net income (loss). Our OCI consists of foreign currency translation adjustments from those subsidiaries not using the U.S. dollar as their functional currency and unrealized gains and losses on marketable equity securities classified as available-for-sale.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). This update was intended to simplify the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. We adopted this standard effective March 1, 2017 and recorded a cumulative adjustment of $11.7 million for the excess tax benefit from the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units that occurred in prior fiscal years as an increase in deferred income tax assets and a reduction of the accumulated deficit. For the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018, we recorded $0.9 million of excess tax benefits on vested and exercised equity awards. The excess tax benefits recognized on stock-based compensation expense are classified as an operating activity in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Upon adoption of this standard, we also elected to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimating expected forfeitures over the course of a vesting period. In May 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting (“ASU 2017-09”). The amendments in ASU 2017-09 provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in ASC 718 Compensation – Stock Compensation. The adoption of ASU 2017-09, which will become effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The new guidance eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test and instead requires that an entity measure the impairment of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit if the carrying value of assets and liabilities assigned to the reporting unit including goodwill exceed the reporting unit's fair value. The new guidance must be adopted for annual and interim goodwill tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. After the adoption of this standard on a prospective basis, we will follow a one-step model for goodwill impairment. We do not anticipate this pronouncement will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption. In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases. The new standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record an ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with the classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements at the time of adoption, with certain practical expedients available. Early adoption is permitted. We have not completed the assessment of the impact on our consolidated financial statements, but we do expect to record an ROU asset and lease liability upon adoption. In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-01, Financial Instruments–Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”). This standard revises an entity’s accounting related to (1) the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. It also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. Under the new guidance, entities will have to measure certain equity investments at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income unless the investments qualify for a new practicality exception. ASU 2016-01 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption is not material. In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new revenue recognition standard (“ASC 606”) provides a five-step analytical framework for transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The two permitted transition methods under the new standard are the full retrospective method or the modified retrospective method. We are required to adopt this standard effective March 1, 2018. We plan to adopt this standard using the modified retrospective method with an immaterial adjustment to accumulative deficit for the cumulative effect of adoption. Our assessment process has consisted of reviewing current accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences that would result from applying the requirements of the new standard to our revenue contracts. We have reviewed individual customer contracts and purchase orders related to these revenues streams as well as identified appropriate changes to our business processes, systems and controls to support the revenue recognition and disclosure requirements under the new standard. We believe that the new standard and related revenue recognition policies will not result in a material change to our consolidated financial statements, but will require additional disclosures in our financial statements as to the nature, amount and timing of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers.