Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues:      
Product $ 83,118 $ 129,475 $ 152,699
Service 3,042 4,542 3,788
Total revenues 86,160 [1] 134,017 [1] 156,487 [1]
Cost of revenues:      
Cost of product 41,916 [2] 75,391 [2] 87,063 [2]
Cost of service 1,087 [2] 2,171 [2] 2,262 [2]
Total cost of revenues 43,003 77,562 89,325
Gross profit 43,157 56,455 67,162
Operating expenses:      
Product development 22,361 [2] 30,009 [2] 34,755 [2]
Sales and marketing 16,348 [2] 21,460 [2] 25,719 [2]
General and administrative 14,644 [2] 15,050 [2] 17,897 [2]
Litigation charges 3,452 0 0
Restructuring charges 2,522 1,176 0
Total operating expenses 59,327 67,695 78,371
Loss from operations (16,170) (11,240) (11,209)
Interest and other income (expense), net (702) (362) 6
Interest expense on lease financing obligations (1,235) (1,360) (1,468)
Loss before provision for income taxes (18,107) (12,962) (12,671)
Income tax expense 311 219 329
Net loss (18,418) (13,181) (13,000)
Net loss attributable to non controlling interest 808 363 0
Net loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders $ (17,610) $ (12,818) $ (13,000)
Net income (loss) per share:      
Basic $ (0.41) $ (0.30) $ (0.31)
Diluted $ (0.41) $ (0.30) $ (0.31)
Shares used in computing net income (loss) per share:      
Basic 43,092 42,650 42,083
Diluted 43,092 42,650 42,083
[1] 1 Includes related party amounts of $11,763 in 2013, $6,458 in 2012, and $7,119 in 2011. See Note 12 for additional information on related party transactions.
[2] 2 See Note 6 for summary of amounts included representing stock-based compensation expense.