Net Loss per Share - Computation Of Basic And Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to Vicor Corporation	$ (459)	$ (544)	$ (1,433)	$ (5,895)
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net loss per share-weighted average shares	39,172	38,801	39,121	38,798
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options	0	0	0	0
Denominator for diluted net loss per share - adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions	39,172	38,801	39,121	38,798
Basic net loss per share	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.15)
Diluted net loss per share	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.15)