Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency Transactions originally denominated in other currencies are remeasured into functional currencies. Increases or decreases in the expected amount of cash flows upon settlement of the transaction caused by changes in exchange rates are recorded as foreign currency transaction gains and losses and are included in other income, net. Except for our operations in Israel, the Company's foreign operations use the local currency as the functional currency, and assets and liabilities are translated from the local currencies into U.S. dollars, the reporting currency of the Company, at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenues, expenses and cash flows are translated at weighted average exchange rates for the period to approximate translation at the exchange rate prevailing at the dates those elements are recognized in the financial statements. Translation adjustments resulting from the process of translating the local currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in determining comprehensive income or loss.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition MRV's Network Equipment segment's major revenue-generating products consist of switches and routers, console management, physical layer products, and fiber optic components. We recognize product revenue, net of sales discounts, returns and allowances, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred and all significant contractual obligations have been satisfied, the fee is fixed or determinable and collection is considered reasonably assured. Products are generally shipped "FOB shipping point," with no right of return and revenue is recognized upon shipment. If revenue is to be recognized upon delivery, such delivery date is tracked through information provided by the third party shipping company we use to deliver the product to the customer. Network Integration resells third party products. We recognize revenue on these sales on a gross basis, as a principal, because we are the primary obligor in the arrangement, we are exposed to inventory and credit risk, we negotiate the selling prices, and we sell the products as part of a solution in which we provide services. Sales of services and system support are deferred and recognized ratably over the contract period. Sales to end customers with contingencies, such as rights of return, rotation rights, conditional acceptance provisions and price protection, are infrequent and insignificant and are deferred until the contingencies have been satisfied or the contingent period has lapsed. For sales to distributors, we generally recognize revenue when product is sold to the distributor rather than when the product is sold by the distributor to the end user. In certain circumstances, distributors have limited rights of return, including stock rotation rights, and/or are entitled to price protection, where a rebate credit may be provided to the customer if we lower our price on products held in the distributor's inventory. We estimate and establish allowances for expected future product returns and credits. We record a reduction in revenue for estimated future product returns and future credits to be issued to the customer in the period in which revenue is recognized, and for future credits to be issued in relation to price protection at the time we make changes to our distributor price book. We monitor product returns and potential price adjustments on an ongoing basis and estimate future returns and credits based on historical sales returns, analysis of credit memo data, and other factors known at the time of revenue recognition. MRV collects sales taxes from its customers to remit to the applicable taxing authorities. These amounts are not included in revenues, but are included on the balance sheet in accrued liabilities. Amounts billed to customers in a sale transaction related to shipping and handling represent revenues earned for goods provided and are classified as revenue. Shipping and handling costs are classified as cost of sales. MRV generally warrants its products against defects in materials and workmanship for 90 days to three year periods. The estimated cost of warranty obligations and sales returns and other allowances are recognized at the time of revenue recognition based on contract terms and prior claims experience. Accounting for Multiple-Element Arrangements entered into prior to January 1, 2011. Arrangements with customers may include multiple deliverables involving combinations of equipment, services and software. In accordance with ASC 605-25 Multiple-Element Arrangements, the entire fee from the arrangement is allocated to each respective element based on its relative fair value and recognized when revenue recognition criteria for each element is met. Fair value for each element is established based on the sales price charged when the same element is sold separately. If multiple element arrangements include software or software-related elements, we apply the provisions of ASC 985-605 Software to the software and software-related elements, or to the entire arrangement if the software is essential to the functionality of the non-software elements. Accounting for Multiple-Element Arrangements entered into or materially altered after January 1, 2011. We allocate arrangement consideration at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method. The selling price we use for each deliverable is based on (a) vendor-specific objective evidence if available; (b) third-party evidence if vendor-specific objective evidence is not available; or (c) best estimate of selling price if neither vendor-specific objective evidence nor third-party evidence is available. We allocate discounts in the arrangement proportionally on the basis of the selling price of each deliverable.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents MRV treats highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less as cash equivalents. Investments with maturities of less than one year are considered short-term and are included on the balance sheet in restricted time deposits. MRV maintains cash balances and investments in qualified financial institutions, and at various times such amounts are in excess of federal insured limits.
Restricted Time Deposits	Restricted Time Deposits Restricted time deposits represent investments that are restricted as to withdrawal or use and are primarily in foreign subsidiaries. Restricted time deposits generally secure standby letters of credit, bank lines of credit, or bank loans. When investments in restricted time deposits are directly related to an underlying bank loan and the restricted funds will be used to repay the loans, the investment and the subsequent release of the restricted time deposit are treated as investing activities in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The other investments in and releases of restricted time deposits are included in investing activities because the funds are invested in certificates of deposit.
Concentration of Credit Risk, Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Concentration of Credit Risk, Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents placed with high credit quality institutions and accounts receivable due from customers. Management evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. If management becomes aware of a customer's inability to meet its financial obligations after a sale has occurred, the Company records an allowance to reduce the net receivable to the amount that it reasonably believes to be collectable from the customer. If the financial conditions of MRV's customers were to deteriorate or if economic conditions worsen, additional allowances may be required in the future. Accounts receivable are charged off at the point they are considered uncollectible.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and consist of material, labor and overhead. Cost is computed using standard cost, which approximates actual cost, on a first-in, first-out basis. If management estimates that the net realizable value is less than the cost of the inventory, an adjustment to the cost basis is recorded through a charge to cost of sales to reduce the carrying value to net realizable value. At each balance sheet date, management evaluates the ending inventories for excess quantities or obsolescence. This evaluation includes analysis of sales levels and projections of future demand. Based on this evaluation, management writes down the inventory to net realizable value if necessary. At the time of recording the write-down, a new, lower cost basis for that inventory is established, and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in the restoration of, or increase in, that newly established cost basis.
Property and Equipment	Depreciation is computed using the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and the costs of additions and betterments that increase the useful lives of the assets are capitalized. When property or equipment are disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in other income, net, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but instead are measured for impairment at least annually, or when events indicate that impairment exists. MRV's annual impairment review date is October 1. Reviews for impairment are performed at each of MRV's reporting units. Intangible assets that are determined to have definite lives are amortized over their useful lives.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets MRV evaluates its long-term tangible assets, such as property and equipment and other long-term assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may be impaired. The Company takes into consideration events or changes such as product discontinuance, plant closures, product dispositions and history of operating losses or other changes in circumstances to indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The carrying value of an asset is considered impaired when the anticipated undiscounted cash flow from such asset is less than its carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. Fair value is determined using the anticipated cash flows discounted at a rate based on our weighted average cost of capital, which represents the blended after-tax costs of debt and equity.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments MRV's financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents, restricted time deposits, accounts receivable, other receivables, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term debt obligations are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value. The fair values of accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their carrying amounts due to their short-term nature. Short-term debt obligations have variable interest rates, which reset frequently; therefore, their carrying values do not materially differ from their calculated aggregate fair value. The Company follows a framework for measuring fair value, using a three-level hierarchy that prioritizes the use of observable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is divided into three levels based on the source of inputs as follows: Level 1 - Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access; Level 2 - Valuations for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, other than level 1 inputs for similar instruments; Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. All of MRV's financial assets and a majority of its financial liabilities that are measured at fair value are measured using the unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date. Under this standard, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Management has not elected the fair value for non-financial assets and liabilities.
Other Current Assets	Other Current Assets Other current assets include prepaid expenses that will be consumed within a twelve month period.
Liability for Severance Pay	Liability for Severance Pay Under the laws of certain foreign jurisdictions, MRV is obligated to make severance payments to employees in those foreign jurisdictions on the basis of factors such as each employee's current salary and length of employment. The liability for severance pay is calculated as the amount that the Company would be required to pay if every employee were to separate as of the end of the period, and is recorded as part of other long-term liabilities.
Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales Cost of sales includes material, depreciation on fixed assets used in the manufacturing process, shipping costs, direct labor and overhead.
Product Development and Engineering	Product Development and Engineering Product development and engineering costs are charged to expense as incurred.
Software Development Costs	Software Development Costs Development costs related to software products for sale or to be included in our products are expensed as incurred until the technological feasibility of the product has been established. Technological feasibility occurs when a working model is completed. After technological feasibility is established, additional costs are capitalized. We believe that our process for internally developed software is essentially completed concurrent with the establishment of technological feasibility, and, accordingly, no software development costs for internally developed software have been capitalized to date. Internal Use Software Development Costs Any software that we acquire, internally develop, or modify solely to meet our internal needs, and for which we have no substantive plan to market the software externally, is capitalized during the development phase. Costs incurred during the research phase are expensed as incurred. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we implemented a new enterprise-wide software for which we capitalized the development costs. The costs of which are included in property and equipment on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Sales and Marketing	Sales and Marketing Sales and marketing costs are charged to expense as incurred.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We account for income taxes using the liability method which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance which would reduce the provision for income taxes. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations if the sustainability of the uncertain tax position does not meet the "more likely than not" recognition threshold based on its technical merits. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheet.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	Net Income (Loss) Per Share Basic net income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock ("Common Stock") outstanding, including restricted shares which, although they are legally outstanding and have voting rights, are subject to vesting and are treated as common stock equivalents in calculating basic net income (loss) per share. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding and dilutive potential shares of Common Stock from stock options outstanding during the period. Diluted shares outstanding include the dilutive effect of in-the-money options, which is calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Employee equity share options, non-vested shares and similar equity instruments granted by MRV, are treated as potential shares of common stock outstanding in computing diluted net income per share. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of compensation cost for future service not yet recognized, and the amount of income tax benefits that would be realized and recorded in additional paid-in capital if the deduction for the award would reduce income taxes payable are assumed to be used to repurchase shares.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation The Company accounts for stock-based payment awards at fair value at the grant date. The fair value of stock options and warrants are determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards represent MRV's best estimates. Those estimates may be impacted by certain variables including stock price volatility, employee stock option exercise behaviors, additional stock option grants, estimates of forfeitures, and the related income tax impact.
New Accounting Pronouncements	Accounting Standards Recently Adopted In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-11, "Income Taxes - Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carry Forward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carry Forwards Exists" ("ASU 2013-11"). ASU 2013-11 requires entities to present the unrecognized tax benefits in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2014. The Company's adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures. In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-17, "Pushdown Accounting" ("ASU 2014-17"). ASU 2014-17 provides guidance on determining and at what threshold pushdown accounting should be established in an acquired entity's separate financial statements. The amendments also provide that an acquired entity may elect to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon a change-in-control event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. The amendments in ASU 2014-17 are effective as of November 18, 2014. The Company's adoption of ASU 2014-17 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures. Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Effective In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)," ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 outlines a new, single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. This new revenue recognition model provides a five-step analysis in determining when and how revenue is recognized. The new model will require revenue recognition to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration a company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is not permitted. The amendments may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application. Management is currently evaluating the impact that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures. In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, “Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period” (“ASU 2014-12”). The amendments in ASU 2014-12 require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”), as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. The amendments in ASU 2014-12 are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Entities may apply the amendments in ASU 2014-12 either: (i) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date; or (ii) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of the new guidance, however does not expect the adoption of this new guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, "Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern" ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 provides guidance on management’s responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the Company in its fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of the new guidance, which may impact our disclosures at the time of adoption. In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, "Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items" (“ASU 2015-01”). ASU 2015-01 eliminates the concept of an extraordinary item from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). As a result, an entity will no longer be required to segregate extraordinary items from the results of ordinary operations, to separately present an extraordinary item on its income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations or to disclose income taxes and earnings-per-share data applicable to an extraordinary item. However, ASU 2015-01 will still retain the presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature and occur infrequently. ASU 2015-01 will be effective for the Company in its first quarter of fiscal 2017. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of the new guidance, however does not expect the adoption of this new guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of these consolidated financial statements require management to make certain estimates, assumptions and judgments that can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its significant estimates and assumptions, including those related to revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, inventory valuation, accrued warranty, allowance for doubtful accounts, and accounting for income taxes. Management bases its estimates on historical and anticipated results, trends and on various other assumptions that it believes are reasonable under the circumstances, including assumptions as to future events. These estimates form the basis for making assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. By their nature, estimates are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.