Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] UNITED STATES UNITED STATES International [Member] International [Member] International [Member] ISRAEL ISRAEL FRANCE FRANCE All countries except United States, Israel and France [Member] [Member] All countries except United States, Israel and France [Member] [Member] All countries except United States, Israel and France [Member] [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Net revenues: Summary Of Revenue By Net Geographic Region [Abstract] Summary of revenue by net geographic region. Revenue, Net Revenue, Net Property and equipment, net: Summary Of Property And Equipment [Abstract] Summary of property and equipment. Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative, Name [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Forward Contracts [Member] Forward Contracts [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Securities Sold under Agreements to Resell, Securities Loaned, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities Derivative Liability, Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase, Securities Loaned, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Balance at beginning of period Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual Accrual for current period warranties Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase for Warranties Issued Balance assumed from TVN acquisition Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Additions from Business Acquisition Changes in liability related to pre-existing warranties Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase (Decrease) for Preexisting Warranties Warranty costs incurred Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Decrease for Payments Balance at end of period Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted Cash and Deposits Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Short-Term Investments Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments in Equity Securities Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Variable Interest Entity Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentrations of Credit Risk/Major Customers/Supplier Concentration Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Multiple Element Arrangements Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements, Description [Policy Text Block] Software Revenue Recognition, Software [Policy Text Block] Solution Sales Solution Sales Policy [Text Block] Solution Sales. Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Capitalized Software Development Costs Research, Development, and Computer Software, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Acquisitions Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Long-lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Instruments Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restructuring and Related Charges Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities or Restructurings, Policy [Policy Text Block] Warranty Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties Policies [Policy Text Block] Advertising Expenses Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-based Compensation Expense Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Pension Plan Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Pensions, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Sales Taxes Sales Taxes [Policy Text Block] Sales Taxes [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Business Acquisition ProForma Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Business Acquisition ProForma Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Business Acquisition ProForma Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Loans Backed By French Research And Development Tax Credit Receivables [Member] Loans Backed By French Research And Development Tax Credit Receivables [Member] Loans Backed By French Research And Development Tax Credit Receivables[Member] Loans Backed By French Government Agencies for R&D Innovation Projects [Member] Loans Backed By French Government Agencies for R&D Innovation Projects [Member] Loans Backed By French Government Agencies for R&D Innovation Projects [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] TVN [Member] TVN [Member] TVN [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Privately Negotiated Transactions [Member] Privately Negotiated Transactions [Member] Privately Negotiated Transactions [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Foreign Line of Credit [Member] Foreign Line of Credit [Member] Standby letters of credit [Member] Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] BPI France [Member] BPI France [Member] BPI France [Member] JPMorgan Chase [Member] JPMorgan Chase [Member] JPMorgan Chase [Member] Debt Conversion Description [Axis] Debt Conversion Description [Axis] Debt Conversion, Name [Domain] Debt Conversion, Name [Domain] Stock price greater or equal 130 percent of Note Conversion Price [Member] Stock price greater or equal 130 percent of Note Conversion Price [Member] Stock price greater or equal 130 percent of Note Conversion Price [Member] Note price less than 98 percent of stock price times conversion rate [Member] Note price less than 98 percent of stock price times conversion rate [Member] Note price less than 98 percent of stock price times conversion rate [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Issuance Cost Debt Issuance Cost, Gross, Noncurrent Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Proceeds from convertible debt Proceeds from Convertible Debt Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Trading Days Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Trading Days Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Percentage of Stock Price Trigger Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Percentage of Stock Price Trigger Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days Percentage Of Principal Amount Of Convertible Notes Is Equal To Repurchase Price Percentage Of Principal Amount Of Convertible Notes Is Equal To Repurchase Price Percentage Of Principal Amount Of Convertible Notes Is Equal To Repurchase Price Debt Instrument Convertible Allocated Amount of Equity Component Debt Instrument Convertible Allocated Amount of Equity Component Debt Instrument Convertible Allocated Amount of Equity Component Debt Instrument Convertible Equity Component Issuance Cost Debt Instrument Convertible Equity Component Issuance Cost Debt Instrument Convertible Equity Component Issuance Cost Other Loans Payable Other Loans Payable Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Loans Payable to Bank Loans Payable to Bank Income Taxes Receivable Income Taxes Receivable Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, Term Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, Term Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, Term Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Mobility rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation - Mobility Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation - Mobility Rate Salary progression rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Income Statement [Abstract] Net loss Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Unrealized gains (losses), net arising during the period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Losses (gains) reclassified into earnings Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before tax, Cash Flow Hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax Unrealized losses, net arising during the period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax Losses reclassified into earnings Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax Adjustment to pension benefit plan Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax Change in foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Other comprehensive loss before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Provision for (benefit from) income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Other comprehensive loss, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Total comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Secured Debt Secured Debt Capital Lease Obligations Capital Lease Obligations Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Contingent Consideration by Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration by Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration Type [Domain] Contingent Consideration Type [Domain] Assumed Employee Equity Plans [Member] Assumed Employee Equity Plans [Member] Assumed Employee Equity Plans Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Voluntary Departure Plan, Liability Postemployment Benefits Liability Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Severance [Member] Employee Severance And Benefit Arrangements [Member] Employee Severance And Benefit Arrangements [Member] Impairment of Leasehold Improvements Leasehold Improvements [Member] Obsolete Inventories Inventory Valuation and Obsolescence [Member] Termination of a Research and Development Project Contract Termination [Member] Excess Facilities [Member] Excess Facilities [Member] Excess facilities. Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Harmonic 2013 Restructuring [Member] Harmonic Two Thousand And Thirteen Restructuring [Member] Harmonic Two Thousand And Thirteen Restructuring [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring charges Business Exit Costs Adjustments to restructuring provisions Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment Payments for Restructuring Payments for Restructuring Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash Restructuring Reserve Restructuring Reserve Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] TVN Voluntary Departure Plan [Member] TVN Voluntary Departure Plan [Member] TVN Voluntary Departure Plan [Member] Harmonic 2016 Restructuring Plan [Member] Harmonic 2016 Restructuring Plan [Member] Harmonic 2016 Restructuring Plan [Member] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Eligible Item or Group for Fair Value Option [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Fair Value, Option, Eligible Item or Group [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Cash equivalents [Member] Cash Equivalents [Member] Short-term investments [Member] Short-term Investments [Member] Cost-method Investments [Member] Cost-method Investments [Member] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type Categorization [Domain] Investments [Domain] Money market funds [Member] Money Market Funds [Member] US Treasury Bond Securities [Member] US Treasury Bond Securities [Member] Corporate bonds [Member] Corporate Bond Securities [Member] Commercial paper [Member] Commercial Paper [Member] Bank Time Deposits [Member] Bank Time Deposits [Member] Foreign exchange forward contracts [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities Measured On Non Recurring Basis [Line Items] Total assets measured and recorded at fair value Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Restricted cash (3) Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Total liabilities measured and recorded at fair value Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Accrued TVN VDP, current (1) Postemployment Benefits Liability, Current Accrued TVN VDP, long-term (1) Postemployment Benefits Liability, Noncurrent Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Employee Benefit Plans Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] Summary of Revenue by Product Type Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Summary of Revenue, Property and Equipment, Net by Geographic Region Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net Income (Loss) Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Accrued employee compensation and related expenses Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued warranty Product Warranty Accrual, Current Customer deposits Customer Deposits, Current Contingent inventory reserves Contingent Inventory Reserves contingent inventory reserves Accrued royalty payments Accrued Royalties, Current Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total Accrued Liabilities, Current Facility Closing [Member] Facility Closing [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Reclassification of deferred rent Straight Line Rent Cash payments Foreign exchange loss Restructuring Reserve, Translation and Other Adjustment Restructuring reserve Less: current portion (4) Restructuring Reserve, Current Long-term portion (4) Restructuring Reserve, Noncurrent Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Principal amount Less: Debt discount, net of amortization Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Less: Debt issuance costs, net of amortization Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Carrying amount Convertible Debt, Noncurrent Remaining amortization period (years) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Remaining Discount Amortization Period Effective interest rate on liability component Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Value of conversion option Less: Equity issuance costs Carrying amount Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Cost of revenue [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Operating expense [Member] Operating Expense [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Amortization expense for identified intangibles Amortization of Intangible Assets Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract] Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Table] Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Table] Other Expense [Member] Other Expense [Member] Research and Development Expense [Member] Research and Development Expense [Member] Other Assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Vislink plc [Member] Vislink plc [Member] Vislink plc [Member] VJU Gmbh [Member] VJU Gmbh [Member] VJU Gmbh [Member] EDC [Member] EDC [Member] EDC [Member] Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items] Cost Method Investments, Original Cost Cost Method Investments, Original Cost Cost-method Investments, Other than Temporary Impairment Cost-method Investments, Other than Temporary Impairment Stock Price Decrease, Percentage Stock Price Decrease, Percentage Stock Price Decrease, Percentage Stock Price Increase, Percentage Stock Price Increase, Percentage Stock Price Increase, Percentage Prepayment for Future Software License Purchases Other Prepaid Expense, Current Cost Method Investments, Carrying Value Cost Method Investments Unrealized (Loss) on Cost Method Investments, Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities, Cost Method Investments, and Other Investments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Period Stock Price Below Cost Period Stock Price Below Cost Period Stock Price Below Cost Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Summary of Short-Term Investments Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Maturities of Short-Term Investments Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Amortization of intangibles Depreciation Depreciation Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Amortization of discount on convertible debt Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Provision for non-cash warrant Provision for non-cash warrant Provision for non-cash warrant Restructuring, asset impairment and (gain) loss on retirement of fixed assets Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges Loss on impairment of long-term investment Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net Gain on pension curtailment Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Provision for doubtful accounts, returns and discounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Provision for excess and obsolete inventories Inventory Write-down Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Other non-cash adjustments, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisition: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Deferred revenues Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Accrued and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Purchases of investments Payments to Acquire Investments Proceeds from maturities of investments Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Short-term Investments Proceeds from sales of investments Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of long-term investments Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Payment of convertible debt issuance cost Proceeds from other debts and capital leases Proceeds from Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Repayment of other debts and capital leases Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Proceeds from common stock issued to employees Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Payment of tax withholding obligations related to net share settlements of restricted stock units Restricted Stock, Value, Shares Issued Net of Tax Withholdings Payments for repurchases of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Income tax payments (refunds), net Income Taxes Paid, Net Interest payments, net Interest Paid Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Debt issuance costs incurred but not yet paid Debt Issuance Costs Incurred During Noncash or Partial Noncash Transaction Derivative [Table] Energy [Axis] Energy [Axis] Energy [Domain] Energy [Domain] Position [Axis] Position [Axis] Position [Domain] Position [Domain] Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Gain and Losses Reported in Statement of Operations Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Foreign Exchange Contracts - Balance Sheet Schedule of Foreign Exchange Contracts, Statement of Financial Position [Table Text Block] Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Description of Business Nature of Operations [Text Block] Acquired from TVN acquisition Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Benefit Obligation Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Actuarial losses Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Curtailment Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments Foreign currency translation adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Gain (Loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Current portion (presented under “Accrued and other current liabilities”) Defined Benefit Pension Plan Liabilities, Current Long-term portion (presented under “Other non-current liabilities”) Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Other Pension Plan [Member] Other Pension Plan [Member] Other Pension Plan, Postretirement or Supplemental Plans [Member] Other Pension Plan, Postretirement or Supplemental Plans [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Net Revenue [Member] Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Major Customers [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Comcast [Member] Comcast [Member] Comcast [Member] Software [Member] Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Internal Use Software [Member] Software and Software Development Costs [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Leasehold Improvements [Member] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Cash and cash equivalents maximum maturity Cash And Cash Equivalent Maximum Maturity Cash And Cash Equivalent Maximum Maturity Restricted Cash and Investments Restricted Cash and Investments Number of significant customers for accounts receivable Number Of Customer Accounting For More Than Ten Percent Of Accounts Receivable Number Of Customer Accounting For More Than Ten Percent Of Accounts Receivable Entity-wide revenue, major customer, revenue or accounts receivable percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Number Of Customers Accounting For More Than Ten Percent Of Revenue Other Than Comcast Number Of Customers Accounting For More Than Ten Percent Of Revenue Other Than Comcast Number Of Customers Accounting For More Than Ten Percent Of Revenue Other Than Comcast Revenue recognition period, associated with service and maintenance agreement Revenue Recognition Period General revenue recognition period associated with service and maintenance agreements. Percentage of revenue recognized upon completion contract method Percentage Of Revenue Recognized Upon Completion Contract Method Percentage of revenue recognized upon completion contract method. 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Increased number of shares reserved for every unit forfeited Increased Number Of Shares Reserved For Every Unit Forfeited Increased number of shares reserved for every unit forfeited. 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[Member] Avid Technology Inc. [Member] Avid Technology Inc. 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Applicable Statute of Limitations Increase in balance related to tax positions taken during prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Decrease in balance related to tax positions taken during prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Balance at end of period Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Warrant [Member] Warrant [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from 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