Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) - Summary of Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 51,394	$ 48,664	$ 56,119	$ 64,017	$ 60,735	$ 58,402	$ 53,361	$ 53,233	$ 220,194	$ 225,731	$ 199,160
Gross margin	22,831	21,286	26,510	28,891	26,116	25,550	22,662	22,792	99,518	97,120	81,479
Consolidated net income (loss)	(1,663)	2,609	771	3,442	(43)	(3,669)	(4,932)	(5,426)	5,159	(14,070)	(23,504)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	89	106	(34)	71	$ (43)	5	(97)	(48)	232	(183)	136
Net income (loss) attributable to Vicor Corporation	$ (1,752)	$ 2,503	$ 805	$ 3,371		$ (3,674)	$ (4,835)	$ (5,378)	$ 4,927	$ (13,887)	$ (23,640)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Vicor Corporation:
Basic and diluted	$ (0.05)	$ 0.06	$ 0.02	$ 0.09		$ (0.10)	$ (0.13)	$ (0.14)	$ 0.13	$ (0.36)