View Filing Data

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Transact Technologies Incorporated
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		8,626,812
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	Mar. 31, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 8,449	$ 7,537
Accounts receivable, net	10,784	15,927
Inventories	11,220	10,321
Deferred tax assets	1,443	1,443
Other current assets	771	471
Total current assets	32,667	35,699
Fixed assets, net	3,205	3,302
Goodwill	2,621	2,621
Deferred tax assets	1,187	1,172
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $1,426 and $1,298, respectively	2,242	2,328
Other assets	94	106
	9,349	9,529
Total assets	42,016	45,228
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	4,023	6,422
Accrued liabilities	1,955	2,927
Income taxes payable	315	629
Accrued contingent consideration (Note 4)	136	136
Deferred revenue	315	93
Total current liabilities	6,744	10,207
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	160	168
Deferred rent, net of current portion	294	308
Accrued contingent consideration, net of current portion (Note 4)	824	824
Other liabilities	376	352
	1,654	1,652
Total liabilities	8,398	11,859
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; 10,921,083 and 10,903,077 shares issued, respectively; 8,649,306 and 8,720,200 shares outstanding, respectively	109	109
Additional paid-in capital	26,268	25,940
Retained earnings	25,349	24,708
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(83)	(55)
Treasury stock, at cost, 2,271,777 and 2,182,877 shares, respectively	(18,025)	(17,333)
Total shareholders’ equity	33,618	33,369
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 42,016	$ 45,228

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
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	10,921,083	10,903,077
Common stock, shares outstanding	8,649,306	8,720,200

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net sales	$ 15,057,000	$ 17,559,000
Cost of sales	8,624,000	10,781,000
Gross profit	6,433,000	6,778,000
Operating expenses:
Engineering, design and product development	1,012,000	1,213,000
Selling and marketing	1,786,000	1,601,000
General and administrative	2,034,000	2,000,000
Legal fees associated with lawsuit (Note 9)	199,000
Business consolidation and restructuring (Note 8)		54,000
	5,031,000	4,868,000
Operating income	1,402,000	1,910,000
Interest and other (expense) income:
Interest, net	(1,000)	2,000
Other, net	37,000	(24,000)
	36,000	(22,000)
Income before income taxes	1,438,000	1,888,000
Income tax provision	278,000	680,000
Net income	$ 1,160,000	$ 1,208,000
Net income per common share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.13
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.13
Shares used in per-share calculation:
Basic (in Shares)	8,717	9,427
Diluted (in Shares)	8,809	9,532
Dividends declared and paid per common share: (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.06

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net income	$ 1,160	$ 1,208
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(28)	11
Comprehensive income	$ 1,132	$ 1,219

- 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 + Details

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Net Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-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
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e565-108580

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-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 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 10, 15
-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 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A7
-Appendix A

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 87-21
-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 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 19
-Article 5

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
-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 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28, 29, 30
-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 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 20
-Article 9

+ Details

- Definition

Amount of tax effect, net of reclassification adjustments, on the result from the process of expressing in the reporting currency of the reporting entity those amounts that are denominated or measured in a different currency.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 20
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6915805&loc=d3e32211-110900

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e640-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 10A
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669646-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 25
-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 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 52
-Paragraph 31
-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 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
-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 130
-Paragraph 23, 24, 25, 26
-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

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 1,160	$ 1,208
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Share-based compensation expense	134	157
Incremental tax benefits from stock options exercised	(3)	(6)
Depreciation and amortization	454	447
Loss on sale of fixed assets		2
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	(37)	20
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	5,133	(3,238)
Inventories	(900)	2,183
Prepaid income taxes		464
Other current and long term assets	(282)	(282)
Accounts payable	(2,398)	(175)
Accrued liabilities and other liabilities	(942)	375
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,319	1,155
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(226)	(44)
Additions to capitalized software	(42)	(10)
Net cash used in investing activities	(268)	(54)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from stock option exercises	80	59
Payment of dividends on common stock	(519)
Purchases of common stock for treasury	(692)	(145)
Incremental tax benefits from stock options exercised	3	6
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,128)	(80)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(11)	(11)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	912	1,010
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	7,537	6,863
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 8,449	$ 7,873

1. Basis of presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block]

1. Basis of presentation

The accompanying unaudited financial statements of TransAct Technologies Incorporated have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America to be included in full year financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods presented have been included. The December 31, 2012 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The financial position and results of operations of our U.K. foreign subsidiary are measured using local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of such subsidiary have been translated at the end of period exchange rates, and related revenues and expenses have been translated at the weighted average exchange rates with the resulting translation gain or loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Transaction gains and losses are included in other income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

2. Inventories

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]

2. Inventories

The components of inventories are:

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
	(In thousands)

Raw materials and purchased component parts	$	7,448	$	6,871
Work-in-process		180		-
Finished goods		3,592		3,450
	$	11,220	$	10,321

3. Accrued product warranty liability

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block]

3. Accrued product warranty liability

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 during the three months ended March 31, 2013:

	(In thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	274
Accruals for warranties issued during the period		18
Changes in estimates		49
Settlements during the period		(78)
Balance, end of period	$	263

Approximately $89,000 of the accrued product warranty liability is classified as long-term in Other liabilities at March 31, 2013 in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

4. Accrued contingent consideration

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]

4. Accrued contingent consideration

In connection with the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Printrex, Inc. (“Printrex”) on August 19, 2011, we entered into a contingent consideration arrangement for 30% of the gross profit for a three-year period related to certain 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 at both March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 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. No payments were made under the arrangement during the three months ended March 31, 2013 as the underlying conditions of the contingent consideration arrangement were not satisfied. Refer to Note 3, Business acquisitions, of the Company’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 for additional information regarding this contingent consideration arrangement.

- 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 Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1497-128463

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1490-128463

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1392-128463

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e7008-128479

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1486-128463

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e6927-128479

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4845-128472

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1500-128463

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1524-128463

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e7000-128479

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4922-128472

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4934-128472

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4926-128472

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e6996-128479

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1383-128463

Reference 16: 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 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph F4
-Subparagraph e
-Appendix F

Reference 18: 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 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 67-73
-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

5. Earnings per share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

5. Earnings per share

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of basic weighted average shares outstanding and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:

	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2013		2012
	(In thousands, except per share data)

Net income	$	1,160	$	1,208
Shares:
Basic: Weighted average common shares outstanding		8,717		9,427
Add: Dilutive effect of outstanding options as determined by the treasury stock method		92		105
Diluted: Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding		8,809		9,532

Net income per common share:
Basic	$	0.13	$	0.13
Diluted	$	0.13	$	0.13

For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, there were 666,125 and 597,750, respectively, potentially dilutive shares consisting of stock options that were excluded from the calculation of earnings per diluted share.

6. Shareholders' equity

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

6. Shareholders’ equity

Changes in shareholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2012		$33,369
	Net income	1,160
	Share-based compensation expense	134
	Issuance of deferred stock units, net of relinquishments	111
	Proceeds from issuance of shares from exercise of stock options	80
	Incremental tax benefits from stock options exercised	3
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(28)
	Dividends declared and paid on common stock	(519)
	Purchases of common stock for treasury	(692)
Balance at March 31, 2013		$33,618

We paid a portion of the 2012 incentive bonus for the chief executive officer and chief financial officer in the form of deferred stock units. Such deferred stock units were granted in March 2013 and were fully vested at the time of grant.

For the three months ended March 31, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share, totaling approximately $519,000, which was paid in March 2013 to common shareholders of record at the close of business on February 20, 2013.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity, comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, if any, including other comprehensive income (as applicable). Including, but not limited to: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings; (2) accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and total amount of comprehensive income; (3) amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (4) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (5) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; (6) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented; (7) dividend restrictions and accumulated preferred dividends in arrears (in aggregate and per share amount); (8) retained earnings appropriations or restrictions, such as dividend restrictions; (9) impact of change in accounting principle, initial adoption of new accounting principle and correction of an error in previously issued financial statements; (10) shares held in trust for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); (11) deferred compensation related to issuance of capital stock; (12) note received for issuance of stock; (13) unamortized discount on shares; (14) description, terms, and number of warrants or rights outstanding; (15) shares under subscription and subscription receivables, effective date of new retained earnings after quasi-reorganization and deficit eliminated by quasi-reorganization and, for a period of at least ten years after the effective date, the point in time from which the new retained dates; and (16) retroactive effective of subsequent change in capital structure.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21484-112644

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.E)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6228006&loc=d3e74512-122707

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21488-112644

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29-31)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.C)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187143-122770

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6405834&loc=d3e23285-112656

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Preferred Stock
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21564-112644

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Section B
-Paragraph 7, 11A
-Chapter 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 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
-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 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 15
-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 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph d
-Article 4

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section E

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Article 4

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section C

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 129
-Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
-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 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

+ Details

7. Income taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

7. Income taxes

We recorded an income tax provision for the first quarter of 2013 of $278,000 at an effective tax rate of 19.3%, compared to an income tax provision during the first quarter of 2012 of $680,000 at an effective tax rate of 36.0%. Our effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2013 is unusually low because it includes the full-year benefit from the 2012 federal research and development (“R&D”) credit of approximately $220,000 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”).

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 and as of March 31, 2013, our 2010 federal tax return is under 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. No state or foreign tax jurisdiction income tax returns are currently under examination. As of March 31, 2013, we had $287,000 of total gross unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in any future periods.

- 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

+ Details

8. Business consolidation and restructuring expenses

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]

8. Business consolidation and restructuring expenses

As discussed in Note 8, Accrued business consolidation and restructuring expenses, of the Company’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, 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 $54,000 in the first three months of 2012 for employee termination benefits related to these employee reductions as well as moving costs related to the closing of the San Jose manufacturing operations. This restructuring charge was recorded in accordance with ASC 420-10-25-4 “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations” and cash payments made under this restructuring plan were completed by October 2012.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for restructuring and related activities. Description of restructuring activities such as exit and disposal activities, include facts and circumstances leading to the plan, the expected plan completion date, the major types of costs associated with the plan activities, total expected costs, the accrual balance at the end of the period, and the periods over which the remaining accrual will be settled.

+ References + Details

9. Commitments and contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

9. 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 and the Eleventh District of Appeals has scheduled oral arguments on the appeal to be heard on July 16, 2013.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-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 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-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

2. Inventories (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]

	March 31,		December 31,
	2013		2012
	(In thousands)

Raw materials and purchased component parts	$	7,448	$	6,871
Work-in-process		180		-
Finished goods		3,592		3,450
	$	11,220	$	10,321

3. Accrued product warranty liability (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]

	(In thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	274
Accruals for warranties issued during the period		18
Changes in estimates		49
Settlements during the period		(78)
Balance, end of period	$	263

5. Earnings per share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

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

	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2013		2012
	(In thousands, except per share data)

Net income	$	1,160	$	1,208
Shares:
Basic: Weighted average common shares outstanding		8,717		9,427
Add: Dilutive effect of outstanding options as determined by the treasury stock method		92		105
Diluted: Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding		8,809		9,532

Net income per common share:
Basic	$	0.13	$	0.13
Diluted	$	0.13	$	0.13

6. Shareholders' equity (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]

Balance at December 31, 2012		$33,369
	Net income	1,160
	Share-based compensation expense	134
	Issuance of deferred stock units, net of relinquishments	111
	Proceeds from issuance of shares from exercise of stock options	80
	Incremental tax benefits from stock options exercised	3
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(28)
	Dividends declared and paid on common stock	(519)
	Purchases of common stock for treasury	(692)
Balance at March 31, 2013		$33,618

2. Inventories (Detail) - Inventory components - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Raw materials and purchased component parts	$ 7,448	$ 6,871
Work-in-process	180
Finished goods	3,592	3,450
	$ 11,220	$ 10,321

3. Accrued product warranty liability (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Product Warranty Accrual, Noncurrent	$ 89,000

3. Accrued product warranty liability (Detail) - Warranty Activity $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Balance, beginning of period	$ 274
Accruals for warranties issued during the period	18
Changes in estimates	49
Settlements during the period	(78)
Balance, end of period	$ 263

4. Accrued contingent consideration (Detail)	3 Months Ended
4. Accrued contingent consideration (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Description	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

- Definition

Fair value, as of the acquisition date, of potential payments under the contingent consideration arrangement including cash and shares.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 35
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910684&loc=d3e4570-128470

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 25
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911189&loc=d3e6411-128476

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 30
-Paragraph 18
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18499824&loc=d3e4237-128469

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 30
-Paragraph 19
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18499824&loc=d3e4243-128469

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 40
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910732&loc=d3e4805-128471

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 25
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911189&loc=d3e6408-128476

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 25
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6946367&loc=d3e3642-128468

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 25
-Paragraph 27
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6946367&loc=d3e3629-128468

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(3),(c)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e6927-128479

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 25
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911189&loc=d3e6405-128476

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 68
-Subparagraph g(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 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 29, 30, 41, 42, 64
-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 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141
-Paragraph 51
-Subparagraph f
-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 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 65
-Subparagraph a, b
-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

5. Earnings per share (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
5. Earnings per share (Detail) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Including Options and Restrictive Stock Units	$ 666,125	$ 597,750

5. Earnings per share (Detail) - Earnings per share reconciliation - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net income (in Dollars)	$ 1,160	$ 1,208
Shares:
Basic: Weighted average common shares outstanding	8,717	9,427
Add: Dilutive effect of outstanding options as determined by the treasury stock method	92	105
Diluted: Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding	8,809	9,532
Net income per common share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.13
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.13

- 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 Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.21)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 52
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=16381557&loc=d3e4984-109258

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7655603&loc=d3e1252-109256

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.23)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882

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

Reference 8: 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 9: 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.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 20
-Article 5

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 21
-Article 9

+ 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 Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7655603&loc=d3e1448-109256

Reference 3: 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 4: 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.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 8
-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 6: 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 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph a
-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

6. Shareholders' equity (Detail)	3 Months Ended
6. Shareholders' equity (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2013 $ / shares
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.06
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 519,000

6. Shareholders' equity (Detail) - Changes in Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Balance at December 31, 2012	$ 33,369
Balance at March 31, 2013	33,618
Net income	1,160	$ 1,208
Share-based compensation expense	134	157
Issuance of deferred stock units, net of relinquishments	111
Proceeds from issuance of shares from exercise of stock options	80	59
Incremental tax benefits from stock options exercised	3
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(28)
Dividends declared and paid on common stock	(519)
Purchases of common stock for treasury	$ (692)	$ (145)

- Definition

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

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

Amount after tax, before reclassification adjustments, resulting from the process of expressing in the reporting currency of the reporting entity those amounts that are denominated or measured in a different currency, and from transactions whose terms are denominated in a currency other than the entity's functional currency.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 20
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6915805&loc=d3e32211-110900

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 10A
-Subparagraph (a-c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669646-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450520&loc=d3e32583-110901

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6915805&loc=d3e32022-110900

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 18
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6915805&loc=d3e32157-110900

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 45
-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 130
-Paragraph 17
-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 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
-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 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 52
-Paragraph 13, 20, 31
-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 cash inflow associated with the amount received from holders exercising their stock options. This item inherently excludes any excess tax benefit, which the entity may have realized and reported separately.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (j)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3255-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Financing Activities
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 19
-Subparagraph a
-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 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph A240
-Subparagraph i
-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 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 18
-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

7. Income taxes (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
7. Income taxes (Detail) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 278,000	$ 680,000
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	19.30%	36.00%
Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Credits, Research			$ 220,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	$ 287,000

8. Business consolidation and restructuring expenses (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	$ 54,000