Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Time Deposits	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Time Deposits	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Time Deposits 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 federally insured limits. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company's U.S. entities held $5.2 million and $13.3 million, respectively in various U.S. deposit accounts and a money market account. The remaining $9.0 million and $9.1 million, respectively was held by the Company's foreign subsidiaries in foreign bank deposit accounts. 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 Condensed 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.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Time Deposits

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 federally insured limits. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company's U.S. entities held $5.2 million and $13.3 million, respectively in various U.S. deposit accounts and a money market account. The remaining $9.0 million and $9.1 million, respectively was held by the Company's foreign subsidiaries in foreign bank deposit accounts.

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 Condensed 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.