Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Trading Symbol Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Class of Stock [Axis] Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Series C Preferred Stock [Member] Series C Preferred Stock [Member] Assets Abstract Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $428 and $299, respectively Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $792 and $544, respectively Inventories Income Taxes Receivable, Current Income taxes receivable Deferred income taxes Deferred tax asset, net Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Assets, Current Total current assets Property, plant and equipment: Equipment Furniture and fixtures Land, building and improvements Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Total property, plant and equipment, at cost Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, plant and equipment, net Other assets: Goodwill Restricted annuity contract. Restricted Annuity Contract Restricted annuity contract Intangible rights and capitalized software costs, net of accumulated amortization of $2,298 and $1,890, respectively Intangible rights and capitalized software costs, net of accumulated amortization of $6,075 and $4,955, respectively Other Assets Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Total Total other assets Assets Total Assets Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable Accrued And Other Liabilities Accrued and other liabilities Restructuring Reserve, Current Accrued restructuring liabilities Line of Credit, Current Less: Current portion Current portion of long-term debt Current portion of capital lease obligation Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Long-term liabilities: Term loan, net of current portion Revolving line of credit Secured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Long-term debt, net of current portion Capital lease obligation, net of current portion Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax liability, net Other Liabilities Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total long-term liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 9) Commitments and contingencies (Notes 7 and 9) Stockholders' Equity: Preferred stock Common stock, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 18,700,614 and 17,241,650 shares issued and outstanding, respectively Common stock, $.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 22,349,542 and 21,945,720 shares issued and outstanding, respectively Additional paid-in-capital Retained earnings (deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholders' equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Element Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts Intangible rights and capitalized software costs, accumulated amortization Preferred stock, par value Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Common stock, par value Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, shares issued Common stock, shares outstanding Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract] Revenues Revenues Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) Cost of Sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) Gross Profit Gross profit Gross Profit Operating expenses: General and administrative General and administrative Selling, marketing and service Selling, marketing and service Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Restructuring charges Restructuring charges Costs incurred and charged to expense Operating Expenses Total operating expenses Total operating expenses Operating income (loss) Operating income (loss) Operating income (loss) Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other income and (expenses): Other Nonoperating Income Expense Interest income and other income Interest income and other income Interest expense Interest expense Income (loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes And Minority Interest Income (loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes And Minority Interest Income (loss) before income taxes Income tax provision Income tax expense (benefit) Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest Income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income (loss) attributable to PowerSecure International, Inc. Net income (loss) attributable to PowerSecure International, Inc. Earnings (Loss) Per Share [Abstract] Earnings (loss) per share attributable to PowerSecure International, Inc. common stockholders: Basic Basic earnings per common share Diluted Diluted earnings per common share Weighted average common shares outstanding during the period: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding in period Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding in period Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Cash flow hedge: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Change in unrealized gain (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to PowerSecure International, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities: Stock compensation expense Loss on disposal of miscellaneous assets Gain (loss) on disposal of miscellaneous assets Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions: Trade receivables, net Trade receivables, net Increase Decrease In Inventories Inventories Increase Decrease In Other Operating Capital Net Other current assets and liabilities Increase Decrease In Other Operating Assets Other noncurrent assets and liabilities Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable Accounts payable Increase Decrease In Other Accrued Liabilities Accrued and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Restructuring Reserve Accrued restructuring liabilities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Net cash used in operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Payments to Acquire Businesses and Interest in Affiliates Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Cash payment to acquire business interest Purchases of property, plant and equipment Purchases of property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Other Productive Assets Additions to intangible rights and software development Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Borrowings (payments) on revolving line of credit Proceeds from Mortgage Deposits Proceeds from long-term borrowings Repayments Of First Mortgage Bond Principal payments on long-term borrowings Payments on capital lease obligation Principal payments on capital lease obligations Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Repurchases of common stock Proceeds From Issuance Of Shares Under Incentive And Share Based CompensationPlans Including Stock Options Proceeds from stock option exercises Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Total NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation [Abstract] Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure Text Block Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies Text Block Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards Earnings Per Share Text Block Earnings (Loss) Per Share Restructuring Charges [Abstract] Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring Charges Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt And Interest Rate Swap Contracts Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Capital Lease Obligation Text Block Capital Lease Obligations Share-Based Compensation [Abstract] Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Text Block Share-Based Compensation Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure Text Block Commitments And Contingencies Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure Text Block Income Taxes Capital Stock [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Capital Stock Segment Information [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure Text Block Segment Information Organization [Policy Text Block] Organization [Policy Text Block] Organization Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles Of Consolidation Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] Comprehensive Income Or Loss Noncontrolling interest [Policy Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest [Policy Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use Of Estimates Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash And Cash Equivalents Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration Of Credit Risk Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant And Equipment Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] Debt Issuance Costs Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block] Warranty Reserve Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment Or Disposal Of Long-Lived Assets Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Instruments Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Subsequent Events, Policy [Policy Text Block] Subsequent Events New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements Reconciliation of amounts attributable to noncontrolling interest [Table Text Block] Reconciliation Of Amounts Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Reconciliation Of Amounts Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Calculation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Restructuring Activities Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Long-Term Debt Outstanding Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Annual Principal Payments Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Fair Value Of Interest Rate Swaps Schedule of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Effects Of Cash Flow Hedges On Income Statement And AOCI Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary Of Stock Option Activity Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Summary Of Stock Options Valuation Assumptions Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Summary Of Restricted Stock Award Activity Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Summary Of Financial Information In Reportable Segments Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation [Table] Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation [Table] Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Percentage of controlling ownership Payments To Acquired Businesses And Interest In Affiliates, Shares Payments To Acquired Businesses And Interest In Affiliates, Shares Number of shares exchanged to acquire business interest Payments To Acquired Businesses And Interest In Affiliates, Shares, Value Payments To Acquired Businesses And Interest In Affiliates, Shares, Value Value of shares exchanged to acquire business interest Non-controlling interest Balance Balance Capital contribution Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Acquisition of non-controlling interest Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Table] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Table] Warranties, By Product [Axis] Warranties, By Product [Axis] Warranties, By Product [Domain] Warranties By Product [Domain] Warranties, By Product [Domain] Distributed Generation, Switchgear And Utility Infrastructure Equipment [Member] Distributed Generation Switchgear And Utility Infrastructure Equipment [Member] Distributed Generation, Switchgear And Utility Infrastructure Equipment [Member] LED Lighting-Based Products [Member] Led Lighting Based Products [Member] LED Lighting-Based Products [Member] Defects In Material And Workmanship [Member] Defects In Material And Workmanship [Member] Defects In Material And Workmanship [Member] Declines In Power Performance [Member] Declines In Power Performance [Member] Declines In Power Performance [Member] Functionality Of Solar Panels [Member] Functionality Of Solar Panels [Member] Functionality Of Solar Panels [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Line Items] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Estimated useful lives Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life Warranty Period Warranty Period Warranty period Accrued Warranty Reserve Accrued Warranty Reserve Warranty reserve Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Pre-tax compensation costs Pre-tax share-based compensation expense Number Of Interest Rate Swaps Number Of Interest Rate Swaps Number of interest rate swap contracts Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Reclassification of unrecognized tax benefit liabilities Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Dilutive effect of stock options Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Shares excluded from the diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding Restructuring Type [Axis] Type Of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee Severance [Member] Employee Termination Costs [Member] Inventory Writedowns And Long-Term Asset Disposals [Member] Inventory Writedowns And Long Term Asset Disposals [Member] Inventory Writedowns And Long-Term Asset Disposals [Member] Leasehold Termination And Other Facility Exit Costs [Member] Leasehold Termination And Other Facility Exit Costs [Member] Leasehold Termination And Other Facility Exit Costs [Member] Restructuring Reserve Accrued charges, ending balance Accrued charges, beginning balance Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash Costs paid or otherwise settled Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Axis] Line Of Credit Facility Lender [Domain] Line Of Credit Facility Lender [Domain] Citibank One [Member] Citibank One [Member] Citibank I [Member] Citibank Two [Member] Citibank Two [Member] Citibank II [Member] Citibank I And II [Member] Citibank I And Ii [Member] Citibank I And II [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Maximum borrowing capacity Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Term loan, maturity date Line Of Credit Facility, Term Line Of Credit Facility, Term Credit facility, length of term Line Of Credit Facility, Sublimit Amount Line Of Credit Facility, Sublimit Amount Letter of credit sublimit amount Line Of Credit Facility, Sublimit, Issued Line Of Credit Facility, Sublimit, Issued Amount issued under letter of credit sublimit Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Basis spread on variable rate Cash Cash on hand Percentage Of Interest Rate Swap Contracts Converted Percentage Of Interest Rate Swap Contracts Converted Percentage of debt converted to fixed-rate debt Percentage of debt converted to fixed-rate debt Coverage Ratio Coverage Ratio Coverage ratio Minimum Net Worth Required for Compliance Minimum required consolidated net worth Amount Used To Compute Minimum Net Orth Required For Compliance Amount Used To Compute Minimum Net Orth Required For Compliance Sum used to compute minimum required consolidated net worth Percentage Of Net Income To Be Maintained Percentage Of Net Income To Be Maintained Percentage of fiscal year net income to be maintained Percentage Of Equity To Be Maintained Percentage Of Equity To Be Maintained Percentage of equity raise through sale of equity interests to be maintained Funded Indebtness Ratio Funded Indebtness Ratio Maximum funded indebtness ratio percentage Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Remaining borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Outstanding balance Letter Of Credit Outstanding Letter Of Credit Outstanding Letter of credit outstanding Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Fixed interest rate Fixed interest rate Swap Option, Termination Date Swap Option, Termination Date Swap option, termination date Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term Debt, Gross Long-term debt Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Quarterly principal amount Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year Remainder of 2014 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five And Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five And Thereafter 2018 and thereafter Long-term Debt Total scheduled principal payments Derivative, Notional Amount Notional amount of interest rate swap Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Fair value of interest rate swaps, Liabilities Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Amount Reclassified from AOCI into income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI Sale Leaseback Transaction, Gross Proceeds Sale leaseback transaction, gross proceeds Sale Leaseback Transaction, Monthly Rental Payments Repayment of lease terms with monthly principal and interest payments Repayment of lease term period. Repayment Of Lease Term Period Term of lease, months Lease Expiration Date Expiration term of the lease Payments to Acquire Equipment on Lease Option purchase price on equipment Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Employee Stock Option [Member] Stock Options [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Title of Individual [Axis] Title Of Individual With Relationship To Entity [Domain] Title Of Individual With Relationship To Entity [Domain] Director [Member] Director [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Number Of Stock Option Plans Number Of Stock Option Plans Number of stock option plans Stock Option Terms Stock Option Terms Stock option term Nonqualified Stock Options, Vesting Period Nonqualified Stock Options, Vesting Period Nonqualified stock options, vesting period Qualified Stock Options, Vesting Period Qualified Stock Options, Vesting Period Qualified stock options, vesting period Stock plan expiration date Stock Plan Expiration Date Stock Plan expiration date Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Shares authorized under the plan Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized Number of additional shares authorized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant date fair value of the options granted Forfeiture rate of stock options granted Forfeiture Rate Of Stock Options Granted Forfeiture rate of stock options granted Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Total unrecognized compensation costs Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Weighted average period for compensation costs to be recognized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options Cash received from stock option exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Stock options vested, fair value Restricted Shares, Vesting Period Restricted Shares, Vesting Period Restricted shares, vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Stock options, Shares, Ending balance Stock options, Shares, Beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Stock options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending balance Stock options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Granted, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercised, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Forfeited, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Stock options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Stock options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Stock options, Exercisable, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Stock options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Stock options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Stock options, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected stock price volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Risk free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected life (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Restricted stock, Unvested Restricted Shares, Ending balance Restricted stock, Unvested Restricted Shares, Beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Restricted stock, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance Restricted stock, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Granted, Unvested Restricted Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Vested, Unvested Restricted Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Forfeited, Unvested Restricted Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Values associated with surety arrangements. Values Associated With Surety Arrangements Values associated with surety arrangements Amount Exposed to Bond Amount Exposed to Bond Amount exposed to bond Newly Issued Surety Bond Newly Issued Surety Bond Surety bond issued Cash Deposit Cash Deposit Cash deposit Cost Basis, Percentage Of Annual Revenues Cost Basis, Percentage Of Annual Revenues Cost basis of component parts as a percentage of revenues Expected Revenue Expected Revenue Expected revenue Potential Liquidating Damages Potential Liquidating Damages Maximum liability for damages Forfeiture Percentage Forfeiture Percentage Percent of cost forfeited due to contract termination Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Current deferred tax asset Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefit Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Value of shares authorized for repurchase Stock repurchase program additional authorized amount. Stock Repurchase Program Additional Authorized Amount Value of additional shares authorized for repurchase Repurchases of common stock, Shares Shares repurchased Stock Repurchase Program, Value Stock Repurchase Program, Value Value of shares repurchased, including commission costs Stock Repurchase Program, Per Share Value Stock Repurchase Program, Per Share Value Per share value of shares repurchased, including commission costs Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Value of remaining shares available for repurchase Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) before income taxes Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Two Thousand Thirteen Business Realignment Charges [Member] Two Thousand Thirteen Business Realignment Charges [Member] 2013 Business Realignment Charges [Member] Two Thousand Twelve Cost Reduction Program Charges [Member] Two Thousand Twelve Cost Reduction Program Charges [Member] 2012 Cost Reduction Program Charges [Member] Information by consolidated subsidiary in which an unrelated entity has a noncontrolling interest. Subsidiaries [Axis] Information by consolidated subsidiary in which an unrelated entity has a noncontrolling interest. Subsidiaries [Domain] Subsidiaries [Domain] PowerSecure Solar [Member] Powersecure Solar [Member] PowerSecure Solar [Member] Innovative Electronic Solutions Lighting, LLC [Member] Innovative Electronic Solutions Lighting Llc [Member] IES [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Software And Software Development Costs [Member] Purchased Software And Software Development Costs [Member] Patents are exclusive legal rights granted by the government to the owner of the patent to exploit an invention or a process for a period of time specified by law. Licensing agreements are rights, generally of limited duration, under a license arrangement (for example, to sell or otherwise utilize specified products or processes in a specified territory). Patents And Licensing Agreements [Member] Patents And Licensing Agreements [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type Of Adoption [Member] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2013-11 [Member] Accounting Standards Update201311 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2013-11 [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Cost Of Sales [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Remaining 2013 Business Realignment Charges [Member] Remaining2013 Business Realignment Charges [Member] Remaining 2013 Business Realignment Charges [Member] Restructuring Expense [Member] Restructuring Expense [Member] Restructuring Expense [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Twenty Five Million Dollar Term Loan [Member] Twenty Five Million Dollar Term Loan [Member] $25 Million Term Loan [Member] Twenty Five Million Dollar Term Loan With Three Point Seven Three Percent Fixed Interest Rate [Member] Twenty Five Million Dollar Term Loan With Three Point Seven Three Percent Fixed Interest Rate [Member] $25 Million Term Loan With 3.73% Fixed Interest Rate [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate L I B O R [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Citibank Alternate Bank Rate [Member] Citibank Alternate Bank Rate [Member] Citibank Alternate Bank Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate [Member] Citibank Prime Commercial Lending Rate And 30 Day LIBOR [Member] Citibank Prime Commercial Lending Rate And30 Day Libor [Member] Citibank Prime Commercial Lending Rate And 30 Day LIBOR [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Revolving Line Of Credit, Maturing November Twelve, Twenty Sixteen [Member] Revolving Line Of Credit Maturing November Twelve Twenty Sixteen [Member] Revolving Line Of Credit, Maturing November 12, 2016 [Member] Term Loan, Maturing November Twelve, Twenty Sixteen [Member] Term Loan Maturing November Twelve Twenty Sixteen [Member] Term Loan, Maturing November 12, 2016 [Member] Term Loan, Maturing June Thirty, Twenty Twenty [Member] Term Loan Maturing June Thirty Twenty Twenty [Member] Term Loan, Maturing June 30, 2020 [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Unrealized Gain (Loss) - Interest Expense [Member] Tax Expense (Benefit) [Member] Tax Expense Benefit [Member] Tax Expense (Benefit) [Member] Net Of Tax [Member] Net Of Tax [Member] Gain (Loss) - Net Of Tax [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Nineteen Ninety Eight Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Nineteen Ninety Eight Stock Incentive Plan [Member] 1998 Stock Plan [Member] Two Thousand And Eight Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Two Thousand And Eight Stock Incentive Plan [Member] 2008 Stock Plan [Member] Employee [Member] Employee [Member] Employees [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Surety Bond [Member] Surety Bond [Member] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Distributed Generation [Member] Distributed Generation [Member] Distributed Generation [Member] Utility Infrastructure [Member] Utility Infrastructure [Member] Utility Infrastructure [Member] Energy Efficiency [Member] Energy Efficiency [Member] Energy Efficiency [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Intersegment Elimination [Member] Eliminations And Other [Member]