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Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	TRANSACT TECHNOLOGIES INC
Document Type	10-K
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		8,651,684
Entity Public Float			$ 64,500,000
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001017303
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

TRANSACT TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share data) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 7,537,000	$ 6,863,000
Accounts receivable, net	15,927,000	9,583,000
Inventories	10,321,000	14,151,000
Prepaid income taxes		446,000
Deferred tax assets	1,443,000	1,636,000
Other current assets	471,000	375,000
Total current assets	35,699,000	33,054,000
Fixed assets, net	3,302,000	3,358,000
Goodwill	2,621,000	2,518,000
Deferred tax assets	1,172,000	890,000
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $1,298 and $730, respectively	2,328,000	2,861,000
Other assets	106,000	59,000
	9,529,000	9,686,000
Total assets	45,228,000	42,740,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	6,422,000	3,019,000
Accrued liabilities	2,927,000	2,632,000
Income taxes payable	629,000	40,000
Accrued contingent consideration (Note 3)	136,000
Deferred revenue	93,000	141,000
Total current liabilities	10,207,000	5,832,000
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	168,000	224,000
Deferred rent, net of current portion	308,000	357,000
Accrued contingent consideration, net of current portion (Note 3)	824,000	680,000
Other liabilities	352,000	334,000
	1,652,000	1,595,000
Total liabilities	11,859,000	7,427,000
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 authorized at December 31, 2012 and 2011; 10,903,077 and 10,851,955 shares issued; 8,720,200 and 9,390,262 shares outstanding, at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively	109,000	108,000
Additional paid-in capital	25,940,000	25,058,000
Retained earnings	24,708,000	21,613,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(55,000)	(71,000)
Treasury stock, 2,182,877 and 1,461,693 shares, at cost	(17,333,000)	(11,395,000)
Total shareholders’ equity	33,369,000	35,313,000
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 45,228,000	$ 42,740,000

TRANSACT TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share data) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	4,800,000	4,800,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	200,000	200,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Accumulated amortization (in Dollars)	$ 730	$ 475
Common stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	10,851,955	10,612,881
Common stock, shares outstanding	9,390,262	9,426,443
Treasury shares	1,461,693	1,186,438

TRANSACT TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except per share data) - USD ($) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net sales	$ 68,386,000	$ 65,969,000	$ 63,194,000
Cost of sales	42,404,000	41,343,000	40,646,000
Gross profit	25,982,000	24,626,000	22,548,000
Operating expenses:
Engineering, design and product development	4,239,000	3,418,000	3,000,000
Selling and marketing	6,637,000	6,402,000	6,407,000
General and administrative	7,833,000	7,633,000	7,280,000
Legal fees associated with lawsuit (Note 11)	1,533,000
Business consolidation and restructuring (Note 8)	138,000	184,000
	20,380,000	17,637,000	16,687,000
Operating income	5,602,000	6,989,000	5,861,000
Interest and other income (expense):
Interest expense	(61,000)	(69,000)	(96,000)
Interest income	67,000	87,000	87,000
Other, net	(23,000)	1,000	(25,000)
	(17,000)	19,000	(34,000)
Income before income taxes	5,585,000	7,008,000	5,827,000
Income tax provision	1,964,000	2,332,000	1,923,000
Net income	$ 3,621,000	$ 4,676,000	$ 3,904,000
Net income per common share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.40	$ 0.50	$ 0.42
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.40	$ 0.49	$ 0.41
Shares used in per-share calculation:
Basic (in Shares)	9,032	9,443	9,390
Diluted (in Shares)	9,121	9,603	9,590
Dividends declared and paid per common share: (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.06

TRANSACT TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In thousands, except share data) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net income	$ 3,621	$ 4,676	$ 3,904
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	16	(2)	(3)
Comprehensive income	$ 3,637	$ 4,674	$ 3,901

- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References

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+ Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

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+ Details

- Definition

Adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency of the reporting entity, net of tax.

+ References

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+ Details

TRANSACT TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In thousands, except share data) - USD ($)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total
Period End Date	$ 108,000	$ 25,058,000	$ 21,613,000	$ (11,395,000)	$ (71,000)	$ 35,313,000
Period End Date at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 108,000	25,058,000	21,613,000	(11,395,000)	(71,000)	$ 35,313,000
Period End Date (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	9,390,262					10,612,881
Dividends declared and paid on common stock			(526,000)			$ (526,000)
Period End Date	$ 108,000	25,058,000	21,613,000	(11,395,000)	(71,000)	$ 35,313,000
Period End Date (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	8,720,200					10,851,955
Issuance of shares from exercise of stock options	$ 1,000	171,000				$ 172,000
Issuance of shares from exercise of stock options (in Shares)	51,122
Issuance of deferred stock units		134,000				134,000
Tax benefit (charge) related to employee stock sales and vesting of restricted stock		57,000				57,000
Purchase of treasury stock				(5,938,000)		(5,938,000)
Purchase of treasury stock (in Shares)	(721,184)
Share-based compensation expense		520,000				520,000
Foreign currency translation adj., net of tax					16,000	16,000
Net income			3,621,000			3,621,000
Period End Date	$ 109,000	$ 25,940,000	$ 24,708,000	$ (17,333,000)	$ (55,000)	$ 33,369,000

TRANSACT TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 3,621,000	$ 4,676,000	$ 3,904,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Share-based compensation expense	520,000	587,000	565,000
Incremental tax benefits from stock options exercised	(57,000)	(498,000)	(21,000)
Depreciation and amortization	1,758,000	1,608,000	1,549,000
Deferred income taxes (benefit) provision	(95,000)	519,000	540,000
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets	(13,000)	24,000	2,000
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains)	34,000	(6,000)	21,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(6,332,000)	1,977,000	(1,878,000)
Inventories	3,684,000	(568,000)	(6,851,000)
Prepaid income taxes	479,000	(446,000)	270,000
Other current and long term assets	(154,000)	2,000	117,000
Accounts payable	3,403,000	(5,427,000)	3,289,000
Accrued liabilities and other liabilities	1,182,000	(352,000)	625,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	8,030,000	2,096,000	2,132,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(1,082,000)	(640,000)	(978,000)
Additions to capitalized software	(35,000)	(616,000)	(129,000)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	15,000	1,000	10,000
Acquisitions		(4,000,000)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,102,000)	(5,255,000)	(1,097,000)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from stock option exercises	172,000	959,000	393,000
Purchases of common stock for treasury	(5,938,000)	(2,680,000)	(177,000)
Payment of dividends on common stock	(526,000)
Incremental tax benefits from stock options exercised	57,000	498,000	21,000
Payment of deferred financing costs	(7,000)	(31,000)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(6,242,000)	(1,254,000)	237,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(12,000)	(9,000)	(4,000)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	674,000	(4,422,000)	1,268,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	6,863,000	11,285,000	10,017,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	7,537,000	6,863,000	11,285,000
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	51,000	51,000	51,000
Income taxes paid	$ 912,000	2,545,000	$ 740,000
Non-cash financing activities
Purchases of common stock for treasury at year end		$ (61,000)

1. Description of business

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block]

1. Description of business

TransAct Technologies Incorporated (“TransAct” or the “Company”), which has its headquarters in Hamden, CT and its primary operating facility in Ithaca, NY, operates in one operating segment: market specific solutions, including printers, terminals, software and other products for transaction-based and other industries. These industries include casino, gaming, lottery, banking, point-of-sale, food safety, oil and gas and medical and mobile. Our printers are designed based on market-specific requirements and are sold under the Ithaca®, Epic and Printrex® product brands. We distribute our products through OEMs, value-added resellers, selected distributors, and directly to end-users. Our product distribution spans across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean Islands and the South Pacific. We also generate revenue from the after-market side of the business, providing printer service, supplies and spare parts in addition to revenue from our software solution, the EPICENTRALTM Print System (“EPICENTRALTM”), that enables casino operators to create promotional coupons and marketing messages and print them in real-time at the slot machine.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

Principles of consolidation: The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of TransAct and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, which require consolidation, after the elimination of intercompany accounts, transactions and unrealized profit.

Reclassifications: Certain amounts in the prior years’ financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Use of estimates: The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared using estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Segment reporting: We apply the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280, “Segment Reporting.” We view our operations and manage our business as one segment: the design, development, manufacture and sale of transaction-based and specialty printing solutions and related service, supplies and replacement parts. Factors used to identify TransAct’s single operating segment include the organizational structure of the Company and the financial information available for evaluation by the chief operating decision-maker in making decisions about how to allocate resources and assess performance.

Cash and cash equivalents: We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity date of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Allowance for doubtful accounts: We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts to ensure trade receivables are valued appropriately. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts based on a variety of factors, including the length of time receivables are past due, significant one-time events and historical experience. We record a specific allowance for individual accounts when we become aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, such as in the case of bankruptcy filings or deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position. If circumstances related to customers change, we would further adjust estimates of the recoverability of receivables. Allowances for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable balances were $66,000 as of December 31, 2012 and $70,000 as of December 31, 2011.

The following table summarizes the activity recorded in the valuation account for accounts receivable:

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Balance, beginning of period	$	70	$	57	$	57
Additions charged to costs and expenses		-		1		-
Acquisition of business		-		15		-
Deductions		(4)		(3)		-
Balance, end of period	$	66	$	70	$	57

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (principally standard cost, which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis) or market. We review market value based on historical usage and estimates of future demand. Based on these reviews, inventory write-downs are recorded, as necessary, to reflect estimated obsolescence, excess quantities and market value.

Fixed assets: Fixed assets are stated at cost. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives. The estimated useful life of tooling is five years; machinery and equipment is ten years; furniture and office equipment is five to ten years; and computer software and equipment is three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the term of the lease or the useful life of the asset. Costs related to repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. The costs of sold or retired assets are removed from the related asset and accumulated depreciation accounts and any gain or loss is recognized. Depreciation expense was $1,183,000, $1,339,000 and $1,446,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Leases: Rent expense under non-cancelable operating leases with scheduled rent increases or free rent periods are accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease term, beginning on the date of control of physical use of the asset or of initial possession. The amount of the excess of straight-line rent expense over scheduled payments is recorded as a deferred liability. Construction allowances and other such lease incentives are recorded as deferred credits, and are amortized on a straight-line basis as a reduction of rent expense beginning in the period they are deemed to be earned, which generally coincides with the occupancy date.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Goodwill and Intangible assets: We acquire businesses in purchase transactions that result in the recognition of goodwill and intangible assets. The determination of the value of intangible assets requires management to make estimates and assumptions. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350-20 “Goodwill”, acquired goodwill is not amortized but is subject to impairment testing at least annually and when an event occurs or circumstances change, that indicate it is more likely than not an impairment exists. Factors considered that may trigger an impairment review are: significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results; significant changes in the manner of use of acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business; significant negative industry or economic trends; and significant decline in market capitalization relative to net book value. Definite lived intangible assets are amortized and are tested for impairment when appropriate. We have determined that no goodwill impairment has occurred based on our assessment as of December 31, 2012 when the impairment review is performed.

Revenue recognition: Our typical contracts include the sale of printers, which are sometimes accompanied by separately-priced extended warranty contracts. We also sell replacement parts, consumables, and other repair services (sometimes pursuant to multi-year product maintenance contracts), which are not included in the original printer sale and are ordered by the customer as needed. We recognize revenue pursuant to the guidance within ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition” (ASC 605). Specifically, revenue is recognized when evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery (based on shipping terms, which are generally FOB shipping point) has occurred, the selling price is fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. We recognize revenue from the sale of printers to our distributors and resellers on a sell-in basis and on substantially the same terms as we recognize revenue from all our other customers. We provide for an estimate of product returns and price protection based on historical experience at the time of revenue recognition.

We have developed a new software solution, the EPICENTRALTM Print System (“EPICENTRALTM”), that will enable casino operators to create promotional coupons and marketing messages and to print them in real-time at the slot machine. Revenue arrangements for EPICENTRALTM include multiple deliverables and as a result such arrangements are accounted for in accordance with both ASC 605-25, “Multiple-Element Arrangements” and ASC 985-605, “Software.” EPICENTRALTM is primarily comprised of both a software component, which is licensed, and a hardware component, which can either be leased or sold to end users, and both components are integrated to deliver the system’s full functionality. Under leasing arrangements, revenue is generally recognized ratably over the lease term, excluding revenue allocated to installation, which is recognized upon completion. In an arrangement where the hardware is purchased, revenue, inclusive of software license fees, is generally recognized upon installation and formal acceptance by the customer. For EPICENTRALTM and other multiple deliverable arrangements, we consider whether the deliverables in an arrangement are within the scope of existing higher-level GAAP and apply such literature to the extent that it provides guidance regarding whether to separate multiple-deliverable arrangements and how to allocate value among those separate units of accounting. We also determine whether revenue arrangements consist of more than one unit of accounting at inception of the arrangement and recognize revenue as each item in the arrangement is delivered. We allocate arrangement consideration to the separate units of accounting based on the relative fair value for all units of accounting in the arrangement, except where amounts allocable to the delivered units is limited to that which is contingent upon the delivery of additional deliverables or meeting other specified performance conditions.

Revenue related to extended warranty and product maintenance contracts is recognized pursuant to ASC 605-20-25, “Separately Priced Extended Warranty and Product Maintenance Contracts.” Pursuant to this provision, revenue related to separately priced product maintenance contracts is deferred and recognized over the term of the maintenance period. We record deferred revenue for advance payments received from customers for maintenance contracts.

Our customers have the right to return products that do not function properly within a limited time after delivery. We monitor and track product returns and record a provision for the estimated future returns based on historical experience. Returns have historically been within expectations and the provisions established.

We offer some of our customers price protection as an incentive to carry inventory of our product. These price protection plans provide that if we lower prices, we will credit them for the price decrease on inventory they hold. Our customers typically carry limited amounts of inventory, and we infrequently lower prices on current products. As a result, the amounts paid under these plans have not been material.

We charge our customers for shipping and handling services. The amounts billed to customers are recorded as revenue when the product ships. Any costs incurred related to these services are included in cost of sales.

Concentration of credit risk: Financial instruments that potentially expose us to concentrations of credit risk are limited to cash and cash equivalents held by our banks in excess of insured limits and accounts receivable.

Accounts receivable from customers representing 10% or more of total accounts receivable were as follows:

	December 31,
	2012		2011
GTECH		37%		13%
Customer A		17%		20%

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Sales to customers representing 10% or more of total net sales were as follows:

	Year ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
GTECH		18%		26%		12%
Customer A		15%		13%		14%

Warranty: We generally warrant our products for up to 36 months and record the estimated cost of such product warranties at the time the sale is recorded. Estimated warranty costs are based upon actual past experience of product repairs and the related estimated cost of labor and material to make the necessary repairs.

The following table summarizes the activity recorded in the accrued product warranty liability:

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Balance, beginning of period	$	421	$	249	$	233
Accruals for warranties issued during the period		105		146		84
Changes in estimates		(1)		326		172
Acquisition of business		-		25		-
Settlements during the period		(251)		(325)		(240)
Balance, end of period	$	274	$	421	$	249

Approximately $101,000 and $106,000 of the accrued product warranty liability were classified as long-term at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Research and development expenses: Research and development expenses include engineering, design and product development expenses incurred in connection with specialized engineering and design to introduce new products and to customize existing products, and are expensed as a component of operating expenses as incurred. We recorded approximately $4,239,000, $3,418,000 and $3,000,000 of research and development expenses in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Costs incurred in researching and developing a computer software product are charged to expense until technological feasibility has been established at which point all material software costs are capitalized within Intangible assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheet until the product is available for general release to customers. While judgment is required in determining when technological feasibility of a product is established, we have determined that it is reached after all high-risk development issues have been documented in a formal detailed plan design. The amortization of these costs will be included in cost of sales over the estimated life of the product. During 2010 we began the development of EPICENTRALTM and unamortized development costs for such software were approximately $528,000 and $682,000 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The total amount charged to cost of sales for capitalized software development costs was approximately $189,000 and $62,000 in 2012 and 2011, respectively, with no such charges in 2010. The weighted-average amortization period of unamortized capitalized software developments costs is 3 years.

Advertising: Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses, which are included in selling and marketing expense on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income, for 2012, 2011 and 2010 totaled $949,000, $871,000 and $824,000, respectively. These expenses include items such as consulting and professional services, tradeshows, and print advertising.

Restructuring: We continually evaluate our cost structure to ensure that it is appropriately positioned to respond to changing market conditions. We record pre-tax restructuring charges in accordance with ASC 420-10-25-4, “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations.” See Note 8 for further discussion.

Income taxes: The income tax amounts reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are accounted for under the liability method in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We assess the likelihood that net deferred tax assets will be realized from future taxable income, and to the extent that we believe that realization is not likely, we establish a valuation allowance. In accordance with ASC 740, we identified, evaluated and measured the amount of benefits to be recognized for our tax return positions. See Note 13 for information regarding our accounting for income taxes.

Foreign currency translation: The financial position and results of operations of our foreign subsidiary in the United Kingdom are measured using local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of such subsidiary have been translated into U.S. dollars at the year-end exchange rate, related sales and expenses have been translated at the average exchange rate for the year, and shareholders’ equity has been translated at historical exchange rates. The resulting translation gains or losses, net of tax, are recorded in shareholders’ equity as a cumulative translation adjustment, which is a component of

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

accumulated other comprehensive income. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses, including those related to intercompany balances, are recognized in Other, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Share-based payments: At December 31, 2012, we had share-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 12 - Stock incentive plans. We account for those plans under the recognition and measurement principles of ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation.” Share-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite service period. We have no awards with market or performance conditions.

We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the fair value of share based awards. The key assumptions for this valuation method include the expected term of the option, stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate, dividend yield, market price of our underlying stock and exercise price. Many of these assumptions are judgmental and highly sensitive in the determination of compensation expense. In addition, we estimate forfeitures when recognizing compensation expense, and we adjust our estimate of forfeitures over the requisite service period based on the extent to which actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeitures are recognized through a cumulative true-up adjustment in the period of change and also impacts the amount of compensation expense to be recognized in future periods.

Net income and loss per share: We report net income or loss per share in accordance with ASC 260, “Earnings per Share (EPS).” Under this guidance, basic EPS, which excludes dilution, is computed by dividing income or loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Unvested restricted stock is excluded from the calculation of weighted average common shares for basic EPS. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. Diluted EPS includes restricted stock and in-the-money stock options using the treasury stock method. During a loss period, the assumed exercise of in-the-money stock options has an anti-dilutive effect, and therefore, these instruments are excluded from the computation of dilutive EPS. See Note 14 - Earnings per Share.

3. Business acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]

3. Business acquisitions

On August 19, 2011, we completed the purchase of substantially all of the assets of Printrex, Inc. (“Printrex”) for $4,000,000 in cash and potential future contingent consideration further discussed below. Printrex is a leading manufacturer of specialty printers primarily sold into the oil and gas exploration and medical markets which serve commercial and industrial customers primarily in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. This acquisition was completed primarily to expand our product offerings into the oil and gas exploration and medical markets. As of December 31, 2012, we have completed our analysis of fair value attributes of the assets acquired through the Printrex acquisition and the final assessment of values did not differ materially from our preliminary assessment.

The following table summarizes the final fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed related to the Printrex acquisition:

Purchase Price Allocation (In thousands):
Receivables	$	673
Inventories		677
Fixed assets		11
Other current assets		6
Intangible assets		2,280
Goodwill		1,152
Other assets		22
Initial estimate for liability related to potential future contingent consideration		(680)
Other liabilities		(141)
Total purchase price	$	4,000
Intangible Assets:
Customer relationships	$	1,300
Trademark		480
Developed technology		420
Other		80
Total Intangible assets	$	2,280
Intangible Asset Weighted Average Amortization Period:
Customer relationships	6 years
Trademark	10 years
Developed technology	9 years
Other	1.2 years
Total weighted average	7.2 years

The fair values assigned to intangible assets were determined through the use of the income approach, specifically the relief from royalty method and the multi-period excess earnings method. The valuation of tangible assets was derived using a combination of the income approach, the market approach and the cost approach.

We entered into a contingent consideration arrangement with Printrex as part of the acquisition for 30% of the gross profit for a three-year period related to new products under development, less certain other adjustments, beginning on the earlier of 1) January 1, 2012 or 2) the date of first commercial introduction of the new products under development. The undiscounted fair value related to the contingent liability could range from $200,000 to $2,400,000. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement was $960,000 and $680,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, which were estimated by applying the income approach. That measure is based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market, which fair value measurement guidance refers to as Level 3 inputs. During 2012, the fair value of the contingent consideration was increased by $280,000 and this charge is included in general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. No payments were made under the arrangement during 2012 as the underlying conditions of the contingent consideration arrangement were not satisfied.

Key assumptions include a discount rate range of 4% to 5% and a probability-adjusted level of gross profit between $1,600,000 and $8,900,000.

The Printrex acquisition resulted in $1,152,000 of goodwill, which is deductible for tax purposes, and largely consists of expected synergies resulting from the acquisition. Key areas of potential cost savings include increased purchasing power for raw materials; manufacturing and supply chain work process improvements; and the elimination of redundant manufacturing overhead and operating expenses. We also anticipate that the transaction will produce growth synergies as a result of applying TransAct’s sales and engineering expertise to Printrex’s products.

The change in carrying value of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2012 was as follows (in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2011	$	2,518
Inventory measurement adjustment in connection with Printrex acquisition		103
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	2,621

We incurred acquisition-related costs of $159,000 during the year ended December 31, 2011. These costs included legal, accounting, valuation and other professional services and were included in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, we incurred approximately $78,000 of integration-related expenses in 2011 that were also included in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. No such expenses were incurred during 2012.

The Printrex acquisition contributed $1,892,000 to net sales and reduced net income by $23,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011. This reduction includes the after-tax impact of $139,000 of amortization expense from the intangible assets acquired from Printrex as well as $78,000 of integration expenses. The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations are provided for illustrative purposes only and assume that the acquisition of Printrex occurred on January 1, 2010. This unaudited pro forma information should not be relied upon as being indicative of the historical results that would have been obtained if the acquisition had occurred on that date, nor of the results that may be obtained in the future.

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2011		2010
Sales	$	69,694	$	68,617
Net income	$	5,025	$	3,865

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 88-16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141
-Paragraph 51, 52
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Appendix F
-Paragraph F4
-Subparagraph e

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

4. Inventories

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]

4. Inventories

The components of inventories are:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011
Raw materials and purchased component parts	$	6,871	$	6,863
Work-in-process		-		71
Finished goods		3,450		7,217
	$	10,321	$	14,151

5. Fixed assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]

5. Fixed assets

The components of fixed assets, net are:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011
Tooling, machinery and equipment	$	12,913	$	12,463
Furniture and office equipment		1,555		1,543
Computer software and equipment		5,546		5,315
Leasehold improvements		1,800		1,763
		21,814		21,084
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(18,925)		(18,053)
		2,889		3,031
Construction in-process		413		327
	$	3,302	$	3,358

- Definition

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

+ References + Details

6. Intangible assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

6. Intangible assets

Identifiable intangible assets are recorded in Intangible assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and are comprised of the following:

	December 31,
	2012				2011
(In thousands)	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Purchased technology	$	1,563	$	(679)	$	1,528	$	(443)
Customer relationships		1,300		(296)		1,300		(79)
Trademark		480		(65)		480		(18)
Covenant not to compete		146		(146)		146		(136)
Patents		57		(32)		57		(29)
Other		80		(80)		80		(25)
Total	$	3,626	$	(1,298)	$	3,591	$	(730)

7. Accrued liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]

7. Accrued liabilities

The components of accrued liabilities are:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011
Payroll and fringe benefits	$	1,770	$	1,702
Warranty		173		315
Professional and consulting		189		95
Other		795		520
	$	2,927	$	2,632

8. Accrued business consolidation and restructuring expenses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Restructuring and Related Cost, Description

<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">8. Accrued business consolidation and restructuring expenses</font> </div><br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">In January 2012, we determined that we no longer needed to maintain the existing Printrex manufacturing facility in San Jose, California, along with certain redundant headcount. As a result, we incurred expenses of $138,000 in 2012 for employee termination benefits related to these employee reductions as well as moving costs and the closing of the San Jose manufacturing operations that was completed as of December 31, 2012. This restructuring charge was recorded in accordance with ASC 420-10-25-4 “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations” and is included within Business consolidation and restructuring expenses<font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline"> </font>in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Cash payments made under this restructuring plan were completed by October 2012.</font> </div><br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">In May 2011, we closed our New Britain, CT service facility which primarily serviced our first generation legacy lottery printers for GTECH Corporation (“GTECH”) and incurred $184,000 in facility closure and severance costs in the second quarter of 2011. These restructuring activities reduced the number of employees and closed a facility, which caused us to incur costs for employee termination benefits related to these employee reductions as well as lease termination costs and the disposal of fixed assets. Cash payments made under this restructuring plan were completed by April 2012.</font> </div><br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">8. Accrued business consolidation and restructuring expenses (continued)</font> </div><br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">In 2010, due to the completion of the move of a substantial portion of our printer production to a contract manufacturer in China, we initiated and completed certain restructuring programs to better utilize our workforce.<font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline"> </font> These restructuring activities reduced the number of employees and caused us to incur costs for employee termination benefits related to the employee reductions. During 2010, we recorded restructuring charges of approximately $156,000 which were included within general and administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. The restructuring activity during 2010 included severance costs related to the termination of 16 employees.</font> </div><br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The following table summarizes the activity recorded in accrued restructuring expenses during 2012 and 2011, and is included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.</font> </div><br/><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="60%" style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" width="76%"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td colspan="5" valign="bottom" width="22%"> <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">December 31,</font> </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="76%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(In thousands)</font> </div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="10%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center"> <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">2012</font> </div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="10%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 1px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center"> <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">2011</font> </div> </td> </tr> <tr style="background-color: #CCEEFF;"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="76%"> <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Accrual balance, beginning of period</font> </div> </td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">45</font> </td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">-</font> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="76%"> <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Severance & moving charges</font> </div> </td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">138</font> </td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">134</font> </td> </tr> <tr style="background-color: #CCEEFF;"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="76%"> <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Non-cancelable lease payments</font> </div> </td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">-</font> </td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">26</font> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="76%"> <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Cash payments</font> </div> </td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(183)</font> </td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(115)</font> </td> </tr> <tr style="background-color: #CCEEFF;"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="76%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Accrual balance, end of period</font> </div> </td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">-</font> </td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">45</font> </td> </tr> </table><br/>

9. Retirement savings plan

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]

9. Retirement savings plan

We maintain a 401(k) plan under which all full-time employees are eligible to participate at the beginning of each month immediately following their date of hire. We match employees’ contributions at a rate of 50% of employees’ contributions up to the first 6% of the employees’ compensation contributed to the 401(k) plan. Our matching contributions were $280,000, $201,000 and $223,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

10. Borrowings

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Text Block]

10. Borrowings

On November 22, 2011, we signed a three-year amendment to renew our existing $20,000,000 credit facility (the “TD Bank Credit Facility”) with TD Bank N.A. (“TD Bank”). The TD Bank Credit Facility provides for a $20,000,000 revolving credit line expiring on November 28, 2014. Borrowings under the revolving credit line bear a floating rate of interest at the prime rate minus one percent and are secured by a lien on all of our assets. We also pay a fee of 0.25% on unused borrowings under the revolving credit line. The total deferred financing costs relating to expenses incurred to complete the TD Bank Credit Facility was $31,000.

On September 7, 2012, we signed an amendment to the TD Bank Credit Facility that allows us to declare and pay cash dividends to holders of our outstanding common shares subject to approval by our Board of Directors and provided that no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing under the credit facility on the date of the dividend payment. The amendment also allows us to use up to $5,000,000 in Revolving Credit Loans to fund future cash dividend payments or treasury share buybacks as well as requires cash dividend payments to be treated as distributions for purposes of quarterly debt covenant calculations.

The TD Bank Credit Facility imposes certain quarterly financial covenants on us and restricts, among other things, our ability to incur additional indebtedness and the creation of other liens. We were in compliance with all financial covenants of the TD Bank Credit Facility at December 31, 2012.

As of December 31, 2012, undrawn commitments under the TD Bank Credit Facility were $20,000,000.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References + Details

11. Commitments and contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

11. Commitments and contingencies

On June 8, 2012, Avery Dennison Corporation (“AD”) filed a civil complaint against the Company and a former employee of the Company and of AD, in the Court of Common Pleas (the “Court”) in Lake County, Ohio. The complaint alleges that this former employee and the Company misappropriated unspecified trade secrets and confidential information related to the design of our food safety terminals from AD. The complaint requests a preliminary and permanent injunction against the Company from manufacturing and selling our Ithaca® 9700 and 9800 food safety terminals. On July 16, 2012, the Company filed its answer, affirmative defenses and counterclaims, seeking all available damages including legal fees. A hearing on the plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction took place in August 2012 and in November 2012, the Court denied this request. AD has since filed an appeal of the Court’s ruling.

At December 31, 2012, we were the lessee on operating leases for equipment and real property. Rent expense was approximately $1,005,000, $1,030,000 and $1,047,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Minimum aggregate rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2012 are as follows: $836,000 in 2013; $806,000 in 2014; $808,000 in 2015; $561,000 in 2016; and $78,000 in 2017.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

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+ Details

Share-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]

12. Stock incentive plans

Stock incentive plans. We currently have four primary stock incentive plans: the 1996 Stock Plan, which provided for the grant of awards to officers and other key employees of the Company; the 1996 Directors’ Stock Plan, which provided for non-discretionary awards to non-employee directors; the 2001 Employee Stock Plan, which provided for the grant of awards to key employees of the Company and other non-employees who provided services to the Company; and the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, which provides for awards to executives, key employees, directors and consultants. The plans generally provide for awards in the form of: (i) incentive stock options, (ii) non-qualified stock options, (iii) restricted stock, (iv) restricted stock units, (v) stock appreciation rights or (vi) limited stock appreciation rights. However, the 2001 Employee Stock Plan does not provide for incentive stock option awards. Options granted under these plans have exercise prices equal to 100% of the fair market value of the common stock at the date of grant. Options granted have a ten-year term and generally vest over a three- to five-year period, unless automatically accelerated for certain defined events. As of May 2005, no new awards will be made under the 1996 Stock Plan, the 1996 Directors’ Stock Plan or the 2001 Employee Stock Plan. Under our 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, we may authorize up to 1,200,000 of shares of TransAct common stock. At December 31, 2012, 302,243 shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan.

Under the assumptions indicated below, the weighted-average fair value of stock option grants for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $6.91, $10.42 and $7.45, respectively. The table below indicates the key assumptions used in the option valuation calculations for options granted in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 and a discussion of our methodology for developing each of the assumptions used in the valuation model:

	Year ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Expected option term	6.7 years		6.8 years		6.1 years
Expected volatility		57.8%		62.5%		66.8%
Risk-free interest rate		0.8%		2.0%		2.3%
Dividend yield		- %		- %		- %

Expected Option Term - This is the weighted average period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding giving consideration to our historical exercise patterns. Options granted have a maximum term of ten years and an increase in the expected term will increase compensation expense.

Expected Volatility – The stock volatility for each grant is measured using the weighted average of historical daily price changes of our common stock over the most recent period approximately equal to the expected option term of the grant. An increase in the expected volatility factor will increase compensation expense.

Risk-Free Interest Rate - This is the U.S. Treasury rate in effect at the time of grant having a term approximately equal to the expected term of the option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense.

Dividend Yield – We began paying a quarterly dividend of $.06 per share to common shareholders in December 2012. We will develop an assumption for our dividend yield beginning with stock option grants made in 2013. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense.

For the years ending December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we recorded $520,000, $587,000, and $565,000 of share-based compensation expense, respectively, included primarily in general and administrative expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income. We also recorded income tax benefits of approximately $183,000, $195,000, and $186,000 in 2012, 2011, and 2010 respectively, related to such share-based compensation. At December 31, 2012, these benefits are recorded as a deferred tax asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The 1996 Stock Plan, 1996 Directors’ Stock Plan, 2001 Employee Stock Plan and 2005 Equity Incentive Plan option activity is summarized below:

	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2011		816,708	$	8.06
Granted		145,000		6.91
Exercised		(51,122)		3.37
Forfeited		(60,125)		7.42
Cancelled		(500)		7.45
Outstanding at December 31, 2012		849,961	$	8.19	5.4 years	$	765,000
Options exercisable at December 31, 2012		525,961	$	8.85	3.7 years	$	463,000
Options vested or expected to vest		775,860	$	7.84	5.9 years	$	737,000

12. Stock incentive plans (continued)

Shares that are issued upon exercise of employee stock options are newly issued shares and not issued from treasury stock. As of December 31, 2012, unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options is approximately $1,018,000, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.5 years.

The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $222,000, $1,576,000 and $299,000 and the total fair value of stock options vested was $641,000, $504,000, and $424,000 during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Cash received from option exercises was $172,000, $959,000 and $393,000 for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We recorded a realized tax benefit in 2012 from equity-based awards of $57,000 related to options exercised which has been included as a component of cash flows from financing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Restricted stock: Under the 1996 Stock Plan, 2001 Employee Stock Plan and 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, we granted shares of restricted common stock, for no consideration, to our officers, directors and certain key employees. As of December 31, 2012, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock and all previously issued restricted shares are fully vested.

We paid a portion of the 2011, 2010 and 2009 incentive bonus for the chief executive officer and chief financial officer in the form of 20,055, 14,323 and 10,204 deferred stock units, respectively, with a corresponding credit recorded to Additional Paid in Capital in the amounts of $134,000, $141,000 and $77,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Such deferred stock units were granted in March 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and were fully vested at the time of grant. These units will be converted three years from the grant date to shares of the Company’s common stock on a one-for-one basis. The weighted average exercise price of the deferred stock units was $7.92.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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+ Details

13. Income taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

13. Income taxes

The components of the income tax provision are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Current:
Federal	$	1,973	$	1,695	$	1,297
State		46		74		51
Foreign		40		44		35
		2,059		1,813		1,383
Deferred:
Federal		(116)		448		457
State		21		71		82
Foreign		-		-		1
		(95)		519		540
Income tax provision	$	1,964	$	2,332	$	1,923

Our effective tax rates were 35.2%, 33.3% and 33.0% for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The effective tax rate for 2012 is higher because it does not include a benefit from the federal research and development (“R&D”) credit, which is normally included in our tax rate, as this credit expired at the end of 2011 and was not renewed until January 2, 2013 as a component of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the “Act”). Since the Act was not signed until 2013, the cumulative impact of the 2012 R&D credit will be reflected as a discrete item in the first quarter of 2013. Had the R&D credit been included in our effective tax rate for 2012, it would have lowered our income tax provision and effective tax rate, by approximately $220,000 and 400 basis points.

At December 31, 2012, we have no federal or state net operating loss carryforwards. We also have approximately $51,000 in state tax credit carryforwards that begin to expire in 2013. Foreign income before taxes was $92,000, $68,000 and $35,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

13. Income taxes (continued)

Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Our gross deferred tax assets and liabilities were comprised of the following:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011
Deferred tax assets:
Foreign net operating losses	$	186	$	149
Capitalized research and development		136		204
Inventory reserves		961		1,169
Deferred revenue		79		98
Warranty reserve		96		148
Stock compensation expense		1,036		810
Foreign tax and other credits		34		47
Other liabilities and reserves		705		595
Gross deferred tax assets		3,233		3,220
Valuation allowance		(216)		(176)
Net deferred tax assets		3,017		3,044

Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation		365		422
Other		37		96
Net deferred tax liabilities		402		518
Total net deferred tax assets	$	2,615	$	2,526

A valuation allowance of $216,000 has been established for foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $186,000 and state tax credit carryforwards of $30,000 that are not expected to be used. The following table summarizes the activity recorded in the valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets:

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Balance, beginning of period	$	176	$	125	$	76
Additions charged to income tax provision		40		51		55
Reductions credited to income tax provision		-		-		(6)
Balance, end of period	$	216	$	176	$	125

Differences between the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate and our effective income tax rate are analyzed below:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010

Federal statutory tax rate		34.0%		34.0%		34.0%
State income taxes, net of federal income taxes		0.8		1.4		1.5
Tax benefit from tax credits, net of valuation allowance		-		(2.7)		(2.9)
Valuation allowance and tax accruals		0.9		0.7		0.8
Permanent items		(0.8)		(0.4)		(0.2)
Other		0.3		0.3		(0.2)
Effective tax rate		35.2%		33.3%		33.0%

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had approximately $251,000 and $228,000 of total gross unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in any future periods. We are not aware of any events that could occur within the next twelve months that could cause a significant change in the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits. A tabular reconciliation of the gross amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the year is as follows:

(In thousands)	2012		2011
Unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1	$	228	$	201
Tax positions taken during the current period		23		53
Lapse of statute of limitations		-		(26)
Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31	$	251	$	228

13. Income taxes (continued)

We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of certain state and foreign jurisdictions. We have substantially concluded all U.S. federal income tax, state and local, and foreign tax matters through 2003. During 2008, a limited scope examination of our 2005 and 2006 federal tax returns was completed. However, our federal tax returns for the years 2004 through 2011 remain open to examination. Various state and foreign tax jurisdiction tax years remain open to examination as well, though we believe that any additional assessment would be immaterial to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Subsequent to December 31, 2012, we were notified that our 2010 federal tax return will be examined. No state or foreign tax jurisdiction income tax returns are currently under examination.

We do not anticipate that the total unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $251,000 will significantly change due to the settlement of audits and the expiration of statute of limitations prior to December 31, 2013.

We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in the income tax provision. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we have approximately $46,000 and $23,000, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

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-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
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+ Details

14. Earnings per share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

14. Earnings per share

For 2012, 2011 and 2010, earnings per share were computed as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Net income	$	3,621	$	4,676	$	3,904

Shares:
Basic: Weighted average common shares outstanding		9,032		9,443		9,390
Add: Dilutive effect of outstanding options as determined by the treasury stock method		89		160		200
Diluted: Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding		9,121		9,603		9,590

Net income per common share:
Basic	$	0.40	$	0.50	$	0.42
Diluted		0.40		0.49		0.41

We compute earnings per share using the two-class method, which is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for common stock and participating securities. Restricted stock granted by the Company is considered a participating security since it contains a non-forfeitable right to dividends.

Certain stock-based awards were not included in the full year computation of earnings per diluted share because the effect would be anti-dilutive. Anti-dilutive stock options, restricted shares and deferred stock units excluded from the computation of earnings per dilutive share were 585,125, 309,250, and 367,750, at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 respectively.

15. Stock repurchase program

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Treasury Stock [Text Block]

15. Stock repurchase program

We maintain a stock repurchase program (the “Stock Repurchase Program”) whereby we are authorized to repurchase up to $15,000,000, as increased from $10,000,000 in March 2012 through Board of Director approval, of our outstanding shares of common stock from time to time in the open market over a three-year period ending May 27, 2013, depending on market conditions, share price and other factors. We use the cost method to account for treasury stock purchases, under which the price paid for the stock is charged to the treasury stock account. Repurchases of our common stock are accounted for as of the settlement date. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we repurchased 721,184 shares of common stock for approximately $5,938,000, at an average price of $8.23 per share, under the Stock Repurchase Program. From January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2012, we repurchased a total of 2,182,877 shares of common stock for approximately $17,333,000 under all of our stock repurchase programs, at an average price of $7.94 per share. At December 31, 2012, approximately $6,206,000 remains authorized for future repurchases under the Stock Repurchase Program.

16. Geographic area information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]

16. Geographic area information

Information regarding our operations by geographic area is contained in the following table. These amounts in the geographic area table are based on the location of the customer and vendor.

	Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Net sales:
United States	$	49,932	$	49,301	$	44,101
International		18,454		16,668		19,093
Total	$	68,386	$	65,969	$	63,194

Fixed assets, net:
United States	$	1,941	$	2,129	$	2,694
International		1,361		1,229		1,377
Total	$	3,302	$	3,358	$	4,071

Sales to international customers were approximately 27%, 25%, and 30% in 2012, 2011, and 2010 respectively. Sales to the United Kingdom represented 52%, 51%, and 43%, sales to the Pacific Rim (which includes Australia and Asia) represented 18%, 25%, and 18%, and sales to Canada represented 16%, 6%, and 20% of total international sales in 2012, 2011, and 2010 respectively. International long-lived assets consist of net fixed assets located at our foreign subsidiary in the United Kingdom as well as our contract manufacturers in China, Malaysia and Mexico.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 131
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+ Details

17. Quarterly results of operations (unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]

17. Quarterly results of operations (unaudited)

Our quarterly results of operations for 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

	Quarter Ended
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
2012:
Net sales	$	17,559	$	15,853	$	15,358	$	19,616
Gross profit		6,778		5,842		5,679		7,683
Net income		1,208		508		23		1,882
Net income per share:
Basic		0.13		0.06		0.00		0.21
Diluted		0.13		0.06		0.00		0.21

2011:
Net sales	$	20,694	$	17,519	$	14,111	$	13,645
Gross profit		6,932		6,663		5,350		5,681
Net income		1,825		1,442		839		570
Net income per share:
Basic		0.19		0.15		0.09		0.06
Diluted		0.19		0.15		0.09		0.06

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

+ References + Details

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Balance, beginning of period	$	70	$	57	$	57
Additions charged to costs and expenses		-		1		-
Acquisition of business		-		15		-
Deductions		(4)		(3)		-
Balance, end of period	$	66	$	70	$	57

Schedule of Entity-Wide Information by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] (Deprecated 2011-01-31)

	December 31,
	2012		2011
GTECH		37%		13%
Customer A		17%		20%

Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block]

	Year ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
GTECH		18%		26%		12%
Customer A		15%		13%		14%

Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Balance, beginning of period	$	421	$	249	$	233
Accruals for warranties issued during the period		105		146		84
Changes in estimates		(1)		326		172
Acquisition of business		-		25		-
Settlements during the period		(251)		(325)		(240)
Balance, end of period	$	274	$	421	$	249

3. Business acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]

Purchase Price Allocation (In thousands):
Receivables	$	673
Inventories		677
Fixed assets		11
Other current assets		6
Intangible assets		2,280
Goodwill		1,152
Other assets		22
Initial estimate for liability related to potential future contingent consideration		(680)
Other liabilities		(141)
Total purchase price	$	4,000
Intangible Assets:
Customer relationships	$	1,300
Trademark		480
Developed technology		420
Other		80
Total Intangible assets	$	2,280
Intangible Asset Weighted Average Amortization Period:
Customer relationships	6 years
Trademark	10 years
Developed technology	9 years
Other	1.2 years
Total weighted average	7.2 years

Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]

Balance at December 31, 2011	$	2,518
Inventory measurement adjustment in connection with Printrex acquisition		103
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	2,621

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2011		2010
Sales	$	69,694	$	68,617
Net income	$	5,025	$	3,865

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of pro forma results of operations for a material business acquisition or series of individually immaterial business acquisitions that are material in the aggregate.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total. Disclosure details may include, but are not limited to, the carrying amount of goodwill, goodwill acquired during the year, goodwill impairment losses recognized, goodwill written-off due to the sale of a business unit, goodwill not yet allocated, and any other changes to goodwill.

+ References + Details

4. Inventories (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011
Raw materials and purchased component parts	$	6,871	$	6,863
Work-in-process		-		71
Finished goods		3,450		7,217
	$	10,321	$	14,151

5. Fixed assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011
Tooling, machinery and equipment	$	12,913	$	12,463
Furniture and office equipment		1,555		1,543
Computer software and equipment		5,546		5,315
Leasehold improvements		1,800		1,763
		21,814		21,084
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(18,925)		(18,053)
		2,889		3,031
Construction in-process		413		327
	$	3,302	$	3,358

6. Intangible assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block]

	December 31,
	2012				2011
(In thousands)	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Purchased technology	$	1,563	$	(679)	$	1,528	$	(443)
Customer relationships		1,300		(296)		1,300		(79)
Trademark		480		(65)		480		(18)
Covenant not to compete		146		(146)		146		(136)
Patents		57		(32)		57		(29)
Other		80		(80)		80		(25)
Total	$	3,626	$	(1,298)	$	3,591	$	(730)

7. Accrued liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011
Payroll and fringe benefits	$	1,770	$	1,702
Warranty		173		315
Professional and consulting		189		95
Other		795		520
	$	2,927	$	2,632

8. Accrued business consolidation and restructuring expenses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]

Restructuring Accrual Rollforward

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011
Accrual balance, beginning of period	$	45	$	-
Severance & moving charges		138		134
Non-cancelable lease payments		-		26
Cash payments		(183)		(115)
Accrual balance, end of period	$	-	$	45

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]

	Year ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Expected option term	6.7 years		6.8 years		6.1 years
Expected volatility		57.8%		62.5%		66.8%
Risk-free interest rate		0.8%		2.0%		2.3%
Dividend yield		- %		- %		- %

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]

	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2011		816,708	$	8.06
Granted		145,000		6.91
Exercised		(51,122)		3.37
Forfeited		(60,125)		7.42
Cancelled		(500)		7.45
Outstanding at December 31, 2012		849,961	$	8.19	5.4 years	$	765,000
Options exercisable at December 31, 2012		525,961	$	8.85	3.7 years	$	463,000
Options vested or expected to vest		775,860	$	7.84	5.9 years	$	737,000

13. Income taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]

	Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Current:
Federal	$	1,973	$	1,695	$	1,297
State		46		74		51
Foreign		40		44		35
		2,059		1,813		1,383
Deferred:
Federal		(116)		448		457
State		21		71		82
Foreign		-		-		1
		(95)		519		540
Income tax provision	$	1,964	$	2,332	$	1,923

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011
Deferred tax assets:
Foreign net operating losses	$	186	$	149
Capitalized research and development		136		204
Inventory reserves		961		1,169
Deferred revenue		79		98
Warranty reserve		96		148
Stock compensation expense		1,036		810
Foreign tax and other credits		34		47
Other liabilities and reserves		705		595
Gross deferred tax assets		3,233		3,220
Valuation allowance		(216)		(176)
Net deferred tax assets		3,017		3,044

Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation		365		422
Other		37		96
Net deferred tax liabilities		402		518
Total net deferred tax assets	$	2,615	$	2,526

Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block]

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Balance, beginning of period	$	176	$	125	$	76
Additions charged to income tax provision		40		51		55
Reductions credited to income tax provision		-		-		(6)
Balance, end of period	$	216	$	176	$	125

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010

Federal statutory tax rate		34.0%		34.0%		34.0%
State income taxes, net of federal income taxes		0.8		1.4		1.5
Tax benefit from tax credits, net of valuation allowance		-		(2.7)		(2.9)
Valuation allowance and tax accruals		0.9		0.7		0.8
Permanent items		(0.8)		(0.4)		(0.2)
Other		0.3		0.3		(0.2)
Effective tax rate		35.2%		33.3%		33.0%

Summary of Positions for which Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Table Text Block]

(In thousands)	2012		2011
Unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1	$	228	$	201
Tax positions taken during the current period		23		53
Lapse of statute of limitations		-		(26)
Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31	$	251	$	228

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to net realizable value, including identification of the deferred tax asset more likely than not will not be fully realized and the corresponding amount of the valuation allowance.

+ References + Details

14. Earnings per share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Net income	$	3,621	$	4,676	$	3,904

Shares:
Basic: Weighted average common shares outstanding		9,032		9,443		9,390
Add: Dilutive effect of outstanding options as determined by the treasury stock method		89		160		200
Diluted: Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding		9,121		9,603		9,590

Net income per common share:
Basic	$	0.40	$	0.50	$	0.42
Diluted		0.40		0.49		0.41

16. Geographic area information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]

	Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Net sales:
United States	$	49,932	$	49,301	$	44,101
International		18,454		16,668		19,093
Total	$	68,386	$	65,969	$	63,194

Fixed assets, net:
United States	$	1,941	$	2,129	$	2,694
International		1,361		1,229		1,377
Total	$	3,302	$	3,358	$	4,071

17. Quarterly results of operations (unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]

	Quarter Ended
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
2012:
Net sales	$	17,559	$	15,853	$	15,358	$	19,616
Gross profit		6,778		5,842		5,679		7,683
Net income		1,208		508		23		1,882
Net income per share:
Basic		0.13		0.06		0.00		0.21
Diluted		0.13		0.06		0.00		0.21

2011:
Net sales	$	20,694	$	17,519	$	14,111	$	13,645
Gross profit		6,932		6,663		5,350		5,681
Net income		1,825		1,442		839		570
Net income per share:
Basic		0.19		0.15		0.09		0.06
Diluted		0.19		0.15		0.09		0.06

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Detail)	12 Months Ended
2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Cash and Cash Equivalents Disclosure [Text Block]	three
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	$ 66,000	$ 70,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	five	ten
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum	5	3
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum	10	7
Depreciation	$ 1,183,000	$ 1,339,000	$ 1,446,000
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements, Allocation to Specific Unit of Accounting, Effect of Changes, Methodology	one
Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block]	36
Product Warranty Accrual, Noncurrent	$ 101,000	106,000
Research and Development Expense	4,239,000	3,418,000	3,000,000
Capitalized Computer Software, Net	528,000	682,000
Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization	189,000	$ 62,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted-Average Useful Life		3
Advertising Expense	$ 949,000	$ 871,000	$ 824,000

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Detail) - Valuation for Accounts Receivable - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Balance, beginning of period	$ 70	$ 57
Additions charged to costs and expenses		1
Acquisition of business		15
Deductions	(4)	(3)
Balance, end of period	$ 66	$ 70

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Detail) - Customer Concentration - Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
GTECH	37%	13%	14%
Customer A	17%	20%	12%

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Detail) - Customer Concentration - Revenues	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
GTECH	17%	20%	12%
Customer A	37%	13%	14%

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Detail) - Product Warranty Liability - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Balance, beginning of period	$ 421	$ 249	$ 233
Accruals for warranties issued during the period	105	146	84
Changes in estimates	(1)	326	172
Acquisition of business		25
Settlements during the period	(251)	(325)	(240)
Balance, end of period	$ 274	$ 421	$ 249

3. Business acquisitions (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
3. Business acquisitions (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price	$ 4,000,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Range of Outcomes, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Significant Inputs	30%
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low	$ 200,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	2,400,000
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value	960,000
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value, Noncurrent	824,000	$ 680,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability	$ 280,000
Short-Duration Contracts, Discounted Liabilities, Discount Rate, Low End of Range	4.00%
Short-Duration Contracts, Discounted Liabilities, Discount Rate, High End of Range	5.00%
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Range of Outcomes, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Value, Low	$ 1,600,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Range of Outcomes, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Value, High	$ 8,900,000
Business Combination, Goodwill Recognized, Description	$1,152,000
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Transaction Costs	$ 159,000
Business Combination, Integration Related Costs	78,000
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	1,892,000
Other Income	$ 23,000
Amortization of Intangible Assets		139,000
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs		$ 78,000

3. Business acquisitions (Detail) - Business Combination Purchase Price Allocation - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Receivables	$ 673,000
Inventories	677,000
Fixed assets	11,000
Other current assets	$ 6,000
Intangible assets	2,280
Goodwill	$ 1,152,000
Other assets	22,000
Initial estimate for liability related to potential future contingent consideration	$ (680,000)
Other liabilities	(141)
Total purchase price	$ 4,000,000
Intangible Assets:
Customer relationships	1,300,000	$ 1,300,000
Trademark	480,000	$ 480,000
Developed technology	420,000
Other	80,000
Total Intangible assets	$ 2,280,000

3. Business acquisitions (Detail) - Goodwill Rollforward $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$ 2,518
Inventory measurement adjustment in connection with Printrex acquisition	103
Balance at December 31, 2012	$ 2,621

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 68
-Subparagraph l
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13770-109266

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-Clause 1
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

3. Business acquisitions (Detail) - Pro Forma Income Statement Results - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Sales	$ 69,694	$ 68,617
Net income	$ 5,025	$ 3,865

4. Inventories (Detail) - Inventory Components - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Raw materials and purchased component parts	$ 6,871	$ 6,863
Work-in-process		71
Finished goods	3,450	7,217
	$ 10,321	$ 14,151

5. Fixed assets (Detail) - Fixed Asset Components - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Tooling, machinery and equipment	$ 12,913	$ 12,463
Furniture and office equipment	1,555	1,543
Computer software and equipment	5,546	5,315
Leasehold improvements	1,800	1,763
	21,814	21,084
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(18,925)	(18,053)
	2,889	3,031
Construction in-process	413	327
	$ 3,302	$ 3,358

- Definition

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

+ References + Details

6. Intangible assets (Detail) - Intangible Asset Components - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Purchased technology	$ 1,563	$ 1,528
Purchased technology	(679)	(443)
Customer relationships	1,300	1,300
Customer relationships	(296)	(79)
Trademark	480	480
Trademark	(65)	(18)
Covenant not to compete	146	146
Covenant not to compete	(146)	(136)
Patents	57	57
Patents	(32)	(29)
Other	80	80
Other	(80)	(25)
Total	3,626	3,591
Total	$ 730	$ 475

7. Accrued liabilities (Detail) - Accrued Liabilities Components - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Payroll and fringe benefits	$ 1,770	$ 1,702
Warranty	173	315
Professional and consulting	189	95
Other	795	520
	$ 2,927	$ 2,632

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for professional fees, such as for legal and accounting services received. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References + Details

- Definition

Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of obligations incurred and payable, pertaining to costs that are statutory in nature, are incurred on contractual obligations, or accumulate over time and for which invoices have not yet been received or will not be rendered and of liabilities not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References + Details

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for estimated claims under standard and extended warranty protection rights granted to customers. For classified balance sheets, represents the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References + Details

8. Accrued business consolidation and restructuring expenses (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Restructuring Charges	$ 138,000	$ 184,000	$ 156,000

8. Accrued business consolidation and restructuring expenses (Detail) - Restructuring Accrual Rollforward - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accrual balance, beginning of period	$ 45
Severance & moving charges	138	$ 134
Non-cancelable lease payments		26
Cash payments	$ (183)	(115)
Accrual balance, end of period		$ 45

9. Retirement savings plan (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended		24 Months Ended
9. Retirement savings plan (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 280,000	$ 201,000	$ 223,000

10. Borrowings (Detail)	12 Months Ended
10. Borrowings (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 20,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Specific Purpose Other than for Trade Purchases	$ 20,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.25%
Deferred Finance Costs, Own-share Lending Arrangement, Issuance Costs, Amortization Expense	$ 31,000
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms	$5,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 20,000,000

11. Commitments and contingencies (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
11. Commitments and contingencies (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 1,005,000	$ 1,030,000	$ 1,047,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current	836,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	806,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	808,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	561,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	$ 78,000

Share-Based Compensation (Detail)	12 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Date	ten	ten
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in Shares) \| shares	1,200,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in Shares) \| shares	302,243
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 6.91	$ 10.42	$ 7.45
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared (in Dollars per share) \| $ / shares		$ 6
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 520,000	$ 587,000	$ 565,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	183,000	195,000	186,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Costs on Nonvested Awards (Deprecated 2011-01-31)	$ 1,018,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2.5
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 222,000	1,576,000	299,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value	641,000	504,000	424,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options	172,000	959,000	393,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options	$ 57,000	498,000	$ 21,000
Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits by Title of Individual and Type of Deferred Compensation [Table Text Block]	20,055, 14,323		10,204
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Other Long-term Incentive Plans, Requisite Service Period Recognition	$ 134,000	$ 141,000	$ 77,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	7.92

Share-Based Compensation (Detail) - Stock Option Assumptions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Expected volatility	57.80%	62.50%	66.80%
Risk-free interest rate	0.80%	2.00%	2.30%

Share-Based Compensation (Detail) - Stock Option Rollforward $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Outstanding at December 31, 2011 (in Shares) \| shares	816,708
Outstanding at December 31, 2011	$ 8.06
Outstanding at December 31, 2012 (in Shares) \| shares	849,961
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	$ 8.19
Outstanding at December 31, 2012 (in Dollars) \| $	$ 765,000
Options exercisable at December 31, 2012 (in Shares) \| shares	525,961
Options exercisable at December 31, 2012	$ 8.85
Options exercisable at December 31, 2012 (in Dollars) \| $	$ 463,000
Options vested or expected to vest (in Shares) \| shares	775,860
Options vested or expected to vest	$ 7.84
Options vested or expected to vest (in Dollars) \| $	$ 737,000
Granted (in Shares) \| shares	145,000
Granted	$ 6.91
Exercised (in Dollars) \| $	$ (51,122)
Exercised	$ 3.37
Forfeited (in Shares) \| shares	(60,125)
Forfeited	$ 7.42
Cancelled (in Shares) \| shares	(500)
Cancelled	$ 7.45

13. Income taxes (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
13. Income taxes (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	35.20%	33.30%	33.00%
Other Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	$ 220,000
Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Dates	$51,000
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign	$ 92,000	$ 68,000	$ 35,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	216,000	176,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local	186,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration	30,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	251,000	228,000	$ 201,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	251,000
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Accrued	$ 46,000	$ 23,000

13. Income taxes (Detail) - Income Tax Provision Components - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current:
Federal	$ 1,973	$ 1,695	$ 1,297
State	46	74	51
Foreign	40	44	35
	2,059	1,813	1,383
Deferred:
Federal	(116)	448	457
State	21	71	82
Foreign			1
	(95)	519	540
Income tax provision	$ 1,964	$ 2,332	$ 1,923

13. Income taxes (Detail) - Deferred Income Tax Components - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred tax assets:
Foreign net operating losses	$ 186,000	$ 149,000
Capitalized research and development	136,000	204,000
Inventory reserves	961,000	1,169,000
Deferred revenue	79,000	98,000
Warranty reserve	96,000	148,000
Stock compensation expense	1,036,000	810,000
Foreign tax and other credits	34,000	47,000
Other liabilities and reserves	705,000	595,000
Gross deferred tax assets	3,233,000	3,220,000
Valuation allowance	(216,000)	(176,000)
Net deferred tax assets	3,017,000	3,044,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation	365,000	422,000
Other	37,000	96,000
Net deferred tax liabilities	402,000	518,000
Total net deferred tax assets	$ 2,615,000	$ 2,526,000

13. Income taxes (Detail) - Valuation Allowance Rollforward - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Balance, beginning of period	$ 176	$ 125	$ 76
Additions charged to income tax provision	40	51	55
Reductions credited to income tax provision			(6)
Balance, end of period	$ 216	$ 176	$ 125

13. Income taxes (Detail) - Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Federal statutory tax rate	34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
State income taxes, net of federal income taxes	0.80%	1.40%	1.50%
Tax benefit from tax credits, net of valuation allowance		(2.70%)	(2.90%)
Valuation allowance and tax accruals	0.90%	0.70%	0.80%
Permanent items	(0.80%)	(0.40%)	(0.20%)
Other	0.30%	0.30%	(0.20%)
Effective tax rate	35.20%	33.30%	33.00%

13. Income taxes (Detail) - Unrecognized Tax Benefit Rollforward - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1	$ 228,000	$ 201,000
Tax positions taken during the current period	23,000	53,000
Lapse of statute of limitations		(26,000)
Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31	$ 251,000	$ 228,000

14. Earnings per share (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
14. Earnings per share (Detail) - shares	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	585,125,309,250	367,750

- Definition

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 13, 14
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Diluted Earnings Per Share
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510752

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Contingent Stock Agreement
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508534

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Antidilution
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505113

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

14. Earnings per share (Detail) - Earnings Per Share - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
NetIncomeLoss	$ 1,882	$ 23	$ 508	$ 1,208	$ 570	$ 839	$ 1,442	$ 1,825	$ 3,621	$ 4,676	$ 3,904
Shares:
Basic: Weighted average common shares outstanding									9,032	9,443	9,390
Add: Dilutive effect of outstanding options as determined by the treasury stock method									89	160	200
Diluted: Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding									9,121	9,603	9,590
Net income per common share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.00	$ 0.06	$ 0.13	$ 0.06	$ 0.09	$ 0.15	$ 0.19	$ 0.40	$ 0.50	$ 0.42
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.00	$ 0.06	$ 0.13	$ 0.06	$ 0.09	$ 0.15	$ 0.19	$ 0.40	$ 0.49	$ 0.41

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 36, 37, 38
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 20

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 7
-Paragraph 18

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528421

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

15. Stock repurchase program (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended			96 Months Ended
15. Stock repurchase program (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012
Treasury Stock Acquired, Repurchase Authorization	$15,000,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired (in Shares)	721,184			2,182,877
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock (in Dollars)	$ 5,938,000	$ 2,680,000	$ 177,000
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$ 8.23			$ 7.94
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method (in Dollars)	$ (5,938,000)	$ (2,680,000)	$ (177,000)	$ 17,333,000
Treasury Stock, Restrictions	$6,206,000

- Definition

Equity impact of the cost of common and preferred stock that were repurchased during the period. Recorded using the cost method.

+ References + Details

16. Geographic area information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
16. Geographic area information (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries	$ 0.27	$ 0.25	$ 0.30
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Entity's Country of Domicile	$ 0.52	$ 0.51	$ 0.43

16. Geographic area information (Detail) - Geographic Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net sales:
United States	$ 0.52	$ 0.51	$ 0.43
International	0.27	0.25	0.30
Total	68,386	65,969	63,194
Fixed assets, net:
United States	1,941	2,129	2,694
International	1,361	1,229	1,377
Total	$ 3,302	$ 3,358	$ 4,071

17. Quarterly results of operations (unaudited) (Detail) - Quarterly Financial Information 2012 - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
2012:
Net sales	$ 19,616	$ 15,358	$ 15,853	$ 17,559	$ 13,645	$ 14,111	$ 17,519	$ 20,694	$ 68,386	$ 65,969	$ 63,194
Gross profit	7,683	5,679	5,842	6,778	5,681	5,350	6,663	6,932	25,982	24,626	22,548
Net income	$ 1,882	$ 23	$ 508	$ 1,208	$ 570	$ 839	$ 1,442	$ 1,825	$ 3,621	$ 4,676	$ 3,904
Net income per share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.00	$ 0.06	$ 0.13	$ 0.06	$ 0.09	$ 0.15	$ 0.19	$ 0.40	$ 0.50	$ 0.42
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.00	$ 0.06	$ 0.13	$ 0.06	$ 0.09	$ 0.15	$ 0.19	$ 0.40	$ 0.49	$ 0.41

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

+ References + Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

+ Details

17. Quarterly results of operations (unaudited) (Detail) - Quarterly Financial Information - 2011 - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
2011:
Net sales	$ 19,616	$ 15,358	$ 15,853	$ 17,559	$ 13,645	$ 14,111	$ 17,519	$ 20,694	$ 68,386	$ 65,969	$ 63,194
Gross profit	7,683	5,679	5,842	6,778	5,681	5,350	6,663	6,932	25,982	24,626	22,548
Net income	$ 1,882	$ 23	$ 508	$ 1,208	$ 570	$ 839	$ 1,442	$ 1,825	$ 3,621	$ 4,676	$ 3,904
Net income per share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.00	$ 0.06	$ 0.13	$ 0.06	$ 0.09	$ 0.15	$ 0.19	$ 0.40	$ 0.50	$ 0.42
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.00	$ 0.06	$ 0.13	$ 0.06	$ 0.09	$ 0.15	$ 0.19	$ 0.40	$ 0.49	$ 0.41

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

+ References + Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

+ Details

Label	Element	Value
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised, Net of Tax Benefit (Expense)	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercisedNetOfTaxBenefitExpense	$ 393,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised, Net of Tax Benefit (Expense)	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercisedNetOfTaxBenefitExpense	959,000
Issuance of deferred stock units	us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition	77,000
Issuance of deferred stock units	us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition	141,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable	57,000
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Share-based compensation expense	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation	565,000
Share-based compensation expense	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation	587,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised, Net of Tax Benefit (Expense)	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercisedNetOfTaxBenefitExpense	392,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised, Net of Tax Benefit (Expense)	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercisedNetOfTaxBenefitExpense	957,000
Issuance of deferred stock units	us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition	77,000
Issuance of deferred stock units	us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition	141,000
Period End Date	us-gaap_StockholdersEquity	21,820,000
Period End Date	us-gaap_StockholdersEquity	22,875,000
Tax benefit (charge) related to employee stock sales and vesting of restricted stock	us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitRealizedFromExerciseOfStockOptions	21,000
Tax benefit (charge) related to employee stock sales and vesting of restricted stock	us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitRealizedFromExerciseOfStockOptions	498,000
Retained Earnings [Member]
Net income	us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	3,904,000
Net income	us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	4,676,000
Period End Date	us-gaap_StockholdersEquity	13,033,000
Period End Date	us-gaap_StockholdersEquity	16,937,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease	(3,000)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease	(2,000)
Period End Date	us-gaap_StockholdersEquity	(66,000)
Period End Date	us-gaap_StockholdersEquity	(69,000)
Treasury Stock [Member]
Purchase of treasury stock	us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod	(177,000)
Purchase of treasury stock	us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod	(2,680,000)
Period End Date	us-gaap_StockholdersEquity	(8,538,000)
Period End Date	us-gaap_StockholdersEquity	$ (8,715,000)
Common Stock [Member]
Issuance of shares from exercise of stock options (in Shares)	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised	84,672
Issuance of shares from exercise of stock options (in Shares)	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised	239,074
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares	(22,338)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares	(275,255)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised, Net of Tax Benefit (Expense)	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercisedNetOfTaxBenefitExpense	$ 1,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised, Net of Tax Benefit (Expense)	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercisedNetOfTaxBenefitExpense	$ 2,000
Common stock, shares issued	us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued	9,364,109
Common stock, shares issued	us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued	9,426,443
Period End Date	us-gaap_StockholdersEquity	$ 105,000
Period End Date	us-gaap_StockholdersEquity	$ 106,000