Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] Warranty Product Warranty Accrual, Noncurrent Medical benefits Accrued Insurance, Noncurrent Unrecognized tax benefits Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Long-term debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Depreciation Depreciation Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Stock Compensation Plan Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Shares Issued Under ESPP Plan (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Closing Market Price (usd per share) Shares Issued, Price Per Share Loans issued to non-executive employees outstanding Receivable from Shareholders or Affiliates for Issuance of Capital Stock Treasury stock acquired (shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of equipment under capital leases Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [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] Trade name and trademarks Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] Weighted average Weighted Average [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Impairment of assets Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Intangible assets, estimated economic useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Number of positions eliminated (in position) Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated Total restructuring charges Restructuring Charges Remaining restructuring costs Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Compensation and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Sales tax Sales and Excise Tax Payable, Current Contract costs Accrued Contract Costs, Current Accrued Contract Costs, Current Legal and professional fees Accrued Professional Fees, Current Warranty Product Warranty Accrual, Current Other accruals Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total Accrued Liabilities, Current Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Security deposits Security Deposit Other Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent Total Other Assets, Noncurrent Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] INVENTORIES Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Deferred stock-based compensation related to grants of restricted shares, period of recognition Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Compensation Expense Period of Recognition Deferred compensation arrangement with individual compensation expense period of recognition. Deferred stock-based compensation related to grants of restricted shares Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term Debt [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Receivables [Abstract] Accounts receivable, gross Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Federal Domestic Tax Authority [Member] State State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Income Taxes Income Tax (Textual) [Abstract] Income tax textual. Estimated effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Tax credit carryforwards Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Valuation allowance Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule Of Extinguishment Of Debt [Table] Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Revolving credit facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Equipment lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Customer equipment finance notes payable Customer Equipment Finance Notes Payable [Member] Customer equipment finance notes payable. Other long-term debt Other Long Term Debt [Member] Other long term debt. Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items] Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items] Long-term debt Long-term Debt, by Current and Noncurrent [Abstract] Total long-term debt Long-term Debt Less current maturities Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term debt, less current maturities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net loss Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Amortization Amortization Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Impairment of intangible assets Asset Impairment Charges Provision for inventory reserves Provision For Inventory Reserves Provision for inventory reserves Provision for bad debts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable, current and long-term Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Deferred contract costs Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Charges Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accrued expenses and other Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Deferred revenue, current and long-term Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Additions to patents and licenses Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Payment of long-term debt and capital leases Repayments of Long-term Debt Proceeds from revolving credit facility Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Payment of revolving credit facility Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Payments to settle employee tax withholdings on stock-based compensation Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Net proceeds from employee equity exercises Proceeds From Exercise Of Warrants And Stock Options Proceeds from Exercise of Warrants and Stock Options Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities 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 Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Credit Agreement Credit Agreement [Member] Credit Agreement December 2014 OTA Finance Program December 2014 OTA Finance Program [Member] December 2014 OTA Finance Program [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Wells Fargo Bank, National Association Wells Fargo Bank, National Association [Member] Wells Fargo Bank, National Association [Member] De Lage Landen Financial Services, Inc. De Lage Landen Financial Services, Inc. [Member] De Lage Landen Financial Services, Inc. [Member] Harris seller's note Harris Seller's Note [Member] Harris Seller's Note [Member] Secured Debt Secured Debt [Member] June 2011 OTA Finance Program June 2011 OTA Finance Program [Member] June 2011 OTA Finance Program [Member] Agreement with Wisconsin Department of Commerce Agreement with Wisconsin Department of Commerce [Member] Agreement with Wisconsin Department of Commerce [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Extinguishment Of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment Of Debt Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Credit facility current limit Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Credit facility, maximum limit Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Outstanding letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Revolving credit facility Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent Credit facility, additional borrowing capacity Line Of Credit Facility, Additional Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Additional Borrowing Capacity Potential maximum borrowing Line Of Credit Facility, Potential Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Potential Maximum Borrowing Capacity Credit facility, minimum indebtedness ratio Line Of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Minimum Indebtedness Ratio Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Minimum Indebtedness Ratio Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Interest payment Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Interest Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Unused commitment fee Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Face amount of debt Debt Instrument, Face Amount Lease interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Lease agreement, principal amount Long-term Debt, Gross Net equipment lease obligation buyout option Debt Instrument, Buyout Option Debt Instrument, Buyout Option Principal amount of secured debt Secured Debt Number of contracts for collateral (contract) Debt Instrument, Number Of Contracts For Collateral Debt Instrument, Number of Customer Contracts Period of time without interest accruing or principal payments due Period Of Time Without Interest Accruing Or Principal Payments Due Period of Time without Interest Accruing or Principal Payments Due Periodic payment Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Summary of other intangible assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Summary of the effect of net income per common share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Number of potentially dilutive securities Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Estimated Amortization Expense Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Fiscal 2018 (period remaining) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year Fiscal 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Fiscal 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Fiscal 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Fiscal 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Fiscal 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Six Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Six Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, After Year Six Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, After Year Six Total Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net 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] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate and Other Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Orion U.S. Markets Energy Management [Member] Energy Management Member. Orion Engineered Systems Engineered Systems [Member] Engineered Systems Member Orion Distribution Services Distribution Services [Member] Distribution Services [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restricted shares Restricted Stock [Member] Minimum Maximum Restricted Shares Restricted Shares Issued to Key Employees [Abstract] Restricted shares issued to key employees. Beginning balance (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Awards granted (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Awards vested (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Awards forfeited (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Ending balance (shares) Per share price on grant date (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Stock Options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Non-vested, beginning balance (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares Awards granted (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Awards vested (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares Awards forfeited (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Number of Shares Non-vested, ending balance (shares) Per share price on grant date (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and entity information. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of accrued expenses and other Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Other long term liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block] Changes in warranty accrual Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] INTANIGBLE ASSETS Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land and land improvements Land Improvements [Member] Buildings and building improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Furniture, fixtures and office equipment Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Leasehold improvements Leasehold Improvements [Member] Equipment leased to customers Equipment Leased to Other Party [Member] Plant equipment Equipment [Member] Construction in progress Construction in Progress [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Gross property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Cost of product revenue Cost of Sales [Member] General and administrative General and Administrative Expense [Member] Sales and marketing Selling and Marketing Expense [Member] Research and development Research and Development Expense [Member] Unbilled accounts receivable Unbilled Receivables, Current Other prepaid expenses Other Prepaid Expense, Current Total Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee separation costs Employee Severance [Member] Post-employment medical benefits Special Termination Benefits [Member] Restructuring Reserve Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Restructuring Reserve Additions Amounts Used Payments for Restructuring Ending balance Medical benefit period Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Period Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Period Estimated health care cost trend Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year Ultimate estimated health care cost trend Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Period for change in health care cost trend to reach ultimate trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Period Health Care Cost Trend Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Period Health Care Cost Trend Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate REORGANIZATION OF BUSINESS Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Limited warranty term Limited Product Warranty, Term Limited Product Warranty, Term SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Entity that Current Director Owns Minority Interest and Serves as Board of Directors Chairman Entity That Current Director Owns Minority Interest And Serves As Board Of Directors Chairman [Member] Entity that Current Director Owns Minority Interest and Serves as Board of Directors Chairman [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Purchases from related party Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Beginning of period Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual Provision to product cost of revenue Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase (Decrease) for Preexisting Warranties Charges Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Decrease for Payments End of period Stock-based compensation Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Summary of outstanding non-vested stock options Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of restricted shares granted Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED SHARES Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block] Schedule of other long-term assets Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent [Table Text Block] Cost Inventory, Gross [Abstract] Raw materials and components Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Gross Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Gross Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross Total Inventory, Gross Reserve Inventory Adjustments [Abstract] Raw materials and components Inventory, Raw Materials And Supplies, Valuation Reserves Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Valuation Reserves Work in process Inventory, Work In Process, Valuation Reserves Inventory, Work in Process, Valuation Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Valuation Reserves Inventory, Finished Goods, Valuation Reserves Total Inventory Valuation Reserves Net Inventory, Net [Abstract] Raw materials and components Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Net of Reserves Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Total Inventory, Net Segment Reporting [Abstract] SEGMENTS Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Cost of product revenue General and administrative Sales and marketing Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract] Total Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Prepaid expenses and other current assets Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Table Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Revenue Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Customer One Customer One [Member] Customer One [Member] Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties Concentration Risk [Line Items] Number of financial institutions Number Of Financial Institutions Number of Financial Institutions Concentration risk, percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table] Assets Held under Capital Leases Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] Capital Leased Assets [Line Items] Capital Leased Assets [Line Items] Equipment Corporate and Other Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract] Revenues Revenues Operating Income (Loss) Operating Income (Loss) Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Patents Patents [Member] Licenses Licensing Agreements [Member] Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Developed technology Developed Technology Rights [Member] Non-competition agreements Noncompete Agreements [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived And Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Treasury shares issued in ESPP Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Activity [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, net Inventories, net Deferred contract costs Deferred Costs, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, net Other intangible assets, net Other long-term assets Total assets Assets Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued expenses and other Deferred revenue, current Deferred Revenue, Current Current maturities of long-term debt Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt, less current maturities Other Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Deferred revenue, long-term Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: Shares authorized: 30,000,000 at September 30, 2017 and March 31, 2017; no shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and March 31, 2017 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, no par value: Shares authorized: 200,000,000 at September 30, 2017 and March 31, 2017; shares issued: 38,314,390 at September 30, 2017 and 37,747,227 at March 31, 2017; shares outstanding: 28,880,987 at September 30, 2017 and 28,317,490 at March 31, 2017 Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Treasury stock, common shares: 9,433,403 at September 30, 2017 and 9,429,737 at March 31, 2017 Treasury Stock, Value Shareholder notes receivable Retained deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts balances Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS Other Current Assets [Text Block] Numerator: Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract] Denominator: Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted-average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Net loss per common share: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Basic (usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Preferred stock, par value (usd per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (usd per share) Common Stock, No Par Value Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Treasury stock (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Segment reporting information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] 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] Common stock options Employee Stock Option [Member] Number of potentially dilutive securities Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Potentially dilutive securities outstanding (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Income Statement [Abstract] Product revenue Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Service revenue Sales Revenue, Services, Net Total revenue Cost of product revenue Cost of Goods Sold Cost of service revenue Cost of Services Total cost of revenue Cost of Revenue Gross profit Gross Profit Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Sales and marketing Selling and Marketing Expense Research and development Research and Development Expense Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Loss from operations Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other income Other Nonoperating Income Interest expense Interest Expense Interest income Investment Income, Interest Total other (expense) income Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss before income tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net loss Basic net loss per share attributable to common shareholders (in dollars per share) Diluted net loss per share (in dollars per share) Weighted-average common shares and share equivalents outstanding (in shares) Subsequent Events [Abstract] SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Subsequent Events [Text Block] Restructuring Costs Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Change in Restructuring Reserve Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Rent expense under operating leases Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Term of operating lease Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Annual rent expense Operating Leases, Annual Rent Expense Operating Leases, Annual Rent Expense Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Description [Axis] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Description [Axis] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Name [Domain] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Name [Domain] Manitowoc Manufacturing and Distribution Facility Manitowoc Manufacturing And Distribution Facility [Member] Manitowoc Manufacturing and Distribution Facility [Member] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Wisconsin Department of Revenue Wisconsin Department Of Revenue [Member] Wisconsin Department Of Revenue [Member] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Gross cash proceeds from sale leaseback agreement Sale Leaseback Transaction, Gross Proceeds, Investing Activities Number of plaintiff's claims dismissed (claim) Loss Contingency, Claims Dismissed, Number Amount of settlement Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]