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Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 29, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
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		7,782,292
Entity Public Float			$ 49,400,000
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001017303
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

TRANSACT TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share data) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4,473	$ 3,131
Accounts receivable, net	7,174	9,094
Inventories	11,296	11,806
Prepaid income taxes		409
Deferred tax assets	1,932	3,068
Other current assets	437	489
Total current assets	25,312	27,997
Fixed assets, net	2,507	2,438
Goodwill	2,621	2,621
Deferred tax assets	1,213	1,068
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $2,779 and $2,326, respectively	888	1,341
Other assets	28	26
	7,257	7,494
Total assets	32,569	35,491
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	2,642	2,365
Accrued liabilities	2,838	3,320
Income taxes payable	245	13
Accrued lawsuit settlement expenses (Note 10)		3,625
Deferred revenue	604	313
Total current liabilities	6,329	9,636
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	77	64
Deferred rent, net of current portion	189	172
Other liabilities	246	225
	512	461
Total liabilities	6,841	10,097
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 authorized at December 31, 2015 and 2014; 11,170,881 and 11,122,293 shares issued; 7,782,292 and 7,900,257 shares outstanding, at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively	112	111
Additional paid-in capital	28,921	28,167
Retained earnings	22,956	22,349
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(80)	(72)
Treasury stock, 3,388,589 and 3,222,036 shares, at cost	(26,181)	(25,161)
Total shareholders’ equity	25,728	25,394
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 32,569	$ 35,491

TRANSACT TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share data) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated amortization (in Dollars)	$ 2,779	$ 2,326
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	11,170,881	11,122,293
Common stock, shares outstanding	7,782,292	7,900,257
Treasury shares	3,388,589	3,222,036
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01

TRANSACT TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share data) - USD ($) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net sales	$ 59,676,000	$ 53,108,000	$ 60,141,000
Cost of sales	34,698,000	31,397,000	35,049,000
Gross profit	24,978,000	21,711,000	25,092,000
Operating expenses:
Engineering, design and product development	3,599,000	4,302,000	4,065,000
Selling and marketing	7,806,000	7,920,000	7,346,000
General and administrative	7,367,000	7,756,000	6,588,000
Legal fees and settlement expenses associated with lawsuit (Note 10)	1,738,000	5,505,000	476,000
	20,510,000	25,483,000	18,475,000
Operating income (loss)	4,468,000	(3,772,000)	6,617,000
Interest and other income (expense):
Interest expense	(37,000)	(61,000)	(64,000)
Interest income	9,000	12,000	41,000
Other, net	2,000	(33,000)	(63,000)
	(26,000)	(82,000)	(86,000)
Income (loss) before income taxes	4,442,000	(3,854,000)	6,531,000
Income tax provision (benefit)	1,350,000	(1,433,000)	1,596,000
Net income (loss)	$ 3,092,000	$ (2,421,000)	$ 4,935,000
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.40	$ (0.29)	$ 0.57
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.39	$ (0.29)	$ 0.57
Shares used in per-share calculation:
Basic (in Shares)	7,818	8,307	8,589
Diluted (in Shares)	7,854	8,307	8,703
Dividends declared and paid per common share: (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 0.31	$ 0.27

TRANSACT TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In thousands, except share data) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income (loss)	$ 3,092	$ (2,421)	$ 4,935
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(8)	(9)	(8)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 3,084	$ (2,430)	$ 4,927

TRANSACT TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (In thousands, except share data) - USD ($)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Total
Period End Date at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 109,000	$ 25,940,000	$ 24,708,000	$ (17,333,000)	$ (55,000)	$ 33,369,000
Period End Date (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	8,720,200
Issuance of shares from exercise of stock options USD	$ 2,000	1,043,000				1,045,000
Issuance of shares from exercise of stock options (in Shares)	196,358
Issuance of deferred stock units		139,000				139,000
Issuance of common stock on deferred stock units, net of relinquishments		(28,000)				(28,000)
Issuance of common stock on deferred stock units, net of relinquishments shares (in Shares)	6,919
Tax benefit (charge) related to employee stock sales and vesting of restricted stock		132,000				132,000
Purchase of treasury stock				(5,194,000)		(5,194,000)
Purchase of treasury stock shares (in Shares)	(604,161)
Dividends declared and paid on common stock			(2,317,000)			(2,317,000)
Share-based compensation expense		521,000				521,000
Reversal of deferred tax asset in connection with stock options forfeited		(73,000)				(73,000)
Foreign currency translation adj., net of tax					(8,000)	(8,000)
Net income			4,935,000			4,935,000
Period End Date at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 111,000	27,674,000	27,326,000	(22,527,000)	(63,000)	32,521,000
Period End Date (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	8,319,316
Issuance of shares from exercise of stock options USD		13,000				13,000
Issuance of shares from exercise of stock options (in Shares)	6,000
Issuance of deferred stock units		100,000				100,000
Issuance of common stock on deferred stock units, net of relinquishments		(44,000)				(44,000)
Issuance of common stock on deferred stock units, net of relinquishments shares (in Shares)	9,939
Tax benefit (charge) related to employee stock sales and vesting of restricted stock		7,000				7,000
Purchase of treasury stock				(2,634,000)		(2,634,000)
Purchase of treasury stock shares (in Shares)	(434,998)
Dividends declared and paid on common stock			(2,556,000)			(2,556,000)
Share-based compensation expense		506,000				506,000
Reversal of deferred tax asset in connection with stock options forfeited		(89,000)				(89,000)
Foreign currency translation adj., net of tax					(9,000)	(9,000)
Net income			(2,421,000)			(2,421,000)
Period End Date at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 111,000	28,167,000	22,349,000	(25,161,000)	(72,000)	$ 25,394,000
Period End Date (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	7,900,257					11,122,293
Issuance of shares from exercise of stock options USD	$ 1,000	262,000				$ 263,000
Issuance of shares from exercise of stock options (in Shares)	34,600
Issuance of deferred stock units		160,000				160,000
Issuance of common stock on deferred stock units, net of relinquishments		(39,000)				(39,000)
Issuance of common stock on deferred stock units, net of relinquishments shares (in Shares)	13,988
Tax benefit (charge) related to employee stock sales and vesting of restricted stock		(48,000)				(48,000)
Purchase of treasury stock				(1,020,000)		(1,020,000)
Purchase of treasury stock shares (in Shares)	(166,553)
Dividends declared and paid on common stock			(2,485,000)			(2,485,000)
Share-based compensation expense		488,000				488,000
Reversal of deferred tax asset in connection with stock options forfeited		(69,000)				(69,000)
Foreign currency translation adj., net of tax					(8,000)	(8,000)
Net income			3,092,000			3,092,000
Period End Date at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 112,000	$ 28,921,000	$ 22,956,000	$ (26,181,000)	$ (80,000)	$ 25,728,000
Period End Date (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	7,782,292					11,170,881

TRANSACT TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 3,092	$ (2,421)	$ 4,935
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Share-based compensation expense	488	506	521
Incremental tax benefits from stock options exercised	(4)	(7)	(132)
Depreciation and amortization	1,426	1,445	1,741
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)	878	(1,558)	46
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets	(4)	28	60
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	(1)	7	3
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	1,916	4,139	2,685
Inventories	509	1,703	(3,189)
Prepaid income taxes	407	(98)	(367)
Other current and long term assets	50	46	20
Accounts payable	277	(2,384)	(1,674)
Accrued lawsuit settlement expenses	(3,625)	3,625
Accrued liabilities and other liabilities	138	1,022	(2,156)
Net cash provided by operating activities	5,547	6,053	2,493
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(959)	(660)	(709)
Additions to capitalized software			(42)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	4		5
Net cash used in investing activities	(955)	(660)	(746)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Revolving credit line borrowings	2,500
Revolving credit line payments	(2,500)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	263	13	1,045
Purchases of common stock for treasury	(1,020)	(2,634)	(5,194)
Payment of dividends on common stock	(2,485)	(2,556)	(2,317)
Incremental tax benefits from stock options exercised	4	7	132
Payment of deferred financing costs		(8)
Net cash used in financing activities	(3,238)	(5,178)	(6,334)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(12)	(20)	(14)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,342	195	(4,601)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	3,131	2,936	7,537
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	4,473	3,131	2,936
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	34	49	51
Income taxes paid	130	$ 173	$ 2,585
Non-cash capital expenditure items	$ 84

1. Description of business	12 Months Ended
1. Description of business	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
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 and terminals are designed based on market-specific requirements and are sold under the AccuDate™ Ithaca®, RESPONDER®, Epic, EPICENTRAL® 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 and terminal service, supplies and spare parts in addition to revenue from our software solution, the EPICENTRAL® Print System (“EPICENTRAL®”), 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, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

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.

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, assembly and marketing of transaction printers and terminals and providing printer and terminal related software, services, supplies and spare 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 $50,000 as of December 31, 2015 and $100,000 as of December 31, 2014.

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

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014		2013
Balance, beginning of period	$	100	$	63	$	66
Additions charged to costs and expenses		7		37		-
Write-offs		(57)		-		(3)
Balance, end of period	$	50	$	100	$	63

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 $972,000, $925,000 and $1,216,000 in 2015, 2014, and 2013, 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 of either acquired goodwill or intangible assets 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. Finite 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, 2015 when the impairment review is performed.

Revenue recognition: Our typical contracts include the sale of printers and terminals, 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 or terminal 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 or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. We recognize revenue from the sale of printers and terminals 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 software solution, EPICENTRAL™, that enables 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 to the customer, and a hardware component. EPICENTRAL™ contains both software and hardware that are integrated to deliver the system’s full functionality. These arrangements are accounted for in accordance with ASC 605-25, “Multiple-Element Arrangements”. EPICENTRAL™ can also include an additional software offering, Mobile Host, that allows the customer to access certain applications on mobile devices. Mobile Host is accounted for in accordance with ASC 985-605, “Software” as Mobile Host software does not function together with the hardware device to deliver its essential functionality.

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.

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

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

	Year ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
IGT		29%		19%		19%
Suzo-Happ		14%		7%		4%
Eurocoin		-%		11%		12%

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)	2015		2014		2013
Balance, beginning of period	$	287	$	366	$	274
Warranties issued		267		183		492
Warranty settlements		(277)		(262)		(400)
Balance, end of period	$	277	$	287	$	366

Engineering, design and product development: Research and development expenses include 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 $3,599,000, $4,302,000 and $4,065,000 of research and development expenses in 2015, 2014, and 2013, 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 $31,000 and $169,000 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The total amount charged to cost of sales for the amortization of capitalized software development costs was $138,000, $201,000 and $199,000 in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The weighted-average amortization period of unamortized capitalized software developments costs is less than one year.

Advertising: Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses, which are included in selling and marketing expense on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, for 2015, 2014, and 2013 totaled $858,000, $1,191,000 and $1,058,000, respectively. These expenses include items such as consulting and professional services, tradeshows, and print advertising.

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 12 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 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 Operations.

Share-based payments: At December 31, 2015, we had share-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 11 - 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. 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 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 13 - Earnings per share.

3. Contingent Consideration	12 Months Ended
3. Contingent Consideration	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements [Abstract]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, 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">In connection with a business acquisition on August 19, 2011, whereby we purchased substantially all of the assets of Printrex, Inc (“Printrex”), 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. As of December 31, 2014, the undiscounted fair value related to the contingent liability was estimated to be zero and we did not make a contingent consideration payment. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement was $0 at both December 31, 2015 and 2014, which was 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. The fair value of the contingent consideration was decreased by $0, $60,000 and $900,000, in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and this credit is included in general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. No payments were made under the arrangement during 2015 as the contingent consideration measurement period expired on December 31, 2014.</font> </div><br/>

4. Inventories

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]

4. Inventories

The components of inventories are:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014
Raw materials and purchased component parts		6,627	$	6,183
Work-in-process		1		4
Finished goods		4,668		5,619
	$	11,296	$	11,806

5. Fixed assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]

5. Fixed assets

The components of fixed assets, net are:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014
Tooling, machinery and equipment	$	10,836	$	10,620
Furniture and office equipment		1,578		1,489
Computer software and equipment		6,037		6,132
Leasehold improvements		2,318		1,952
		20,769		20,193
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(18,336)		(17,858)
		2,433		2,335
Construction in-process		74		103
	$	2,507	$	2,438

6. Intangible assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]

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,
	2015				2014
(In thousands)	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Purchased technology	$	1,604	$	(1,357)	$	1,604	$	(1,172)
Customer relationships		1,300		(946)		1,300		(729)
Trademark		480		(210)		480		(162)
Covenant not to compete		146		(146)		146		(146)
Patents		57		(40)		57		(37)
Other		80		(80)		80		(80)
Total	$	3,667	$	(2,779)	$	3,667	$	(2,326)

Amortization expense was $454,000, $515,000 and $513,000 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Amortization expense for each of the next five years ending December 31 is expected to be as follows: $333,000 in 2016; $245,000 in 2017; $102,000 in 2018; $99,000 in 2019; $78,000 in 2020 and $31,000 in 2021.

7. Accrued liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]

7. Accrued liabilities

The components of accrued liabilities are:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014
Salaries and compensation related	$	2,209	$	1,852
Warranty		164		207
Professional and consulting		159		959
Other		306		302
	$	2,838	$	3,320

8. Retirement savings plan (Under Review)	12 Months Ended
8. Retirement savings plan (Under Review)	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	8. 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 $197,000, $282,000 and $265,000 in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

9. Borrowings (Under Review)	12 Months Ended
9. Borrowings (Under Review)	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	9. Borrowings 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, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, undrawn commitments under the TD Bank Credit facility were $20,000,000.

10. Commitments and contingencies (Under Review)	12 Months Ended
10. Commitments and contingencies (Under Review)	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	10. Commitments and contingencies On June 8, 2012, Avery Dennison Corporation (“AD”) filed a civil complaint against us and a former employee of ours and of AD, in the Court of Common Pleas (the “Court”) in Lake County, Ohio. The complaint alleged that we and this former employee misappropriated unspecified trade secrets and confidential information from AD related to the design of our food safety terminals. The complaint requested a preliminary and permanent injunction against us from manufacturing and selling our Ithaca® 9700 and 9800 food safety terminals. On July 16, 2012, we filed our 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 filed an appeal of the Court’s ruling to the Eleventh Appellate District, which heard oral arguments on the appeal on July 16, 2013. On July 23, 2013, AD requested that the Eleventh Appellate District enjoin our further sale and marketing of the food safety terminals, pending the Court of Appeals’ decision. On July 29, 2013, we opposed this request. On October 15, 2013, the Eleventh District Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court’s decision in our favor and denied AD’s further request of an injunction pending the Court of Appeals’ decision. On October 24, 2013, AD filed a motion seeking that the Court of Appeals reconsider its decision. On April 16, 2014, the Court of Appeals denied AD’s motion to reconsider its decision. On July 28, 2014, AD filed a motion requesting leave from the Court to file an amended complaint and indicating that it has elected to pursue only its claim for damages, dropping its claim for injunctive relief. On September 4, 2014, the Court granted AD’s motion to file an amended complaint. On September 25, 2014, we filed our answer, affirmative defenses and counterclaims with respect to the amended complaint, seeking all available damages including legal fees. On January 30, 2015, we filed a motion for summary judgment seeking judgment in our favor on all counts as to the Company. On the same day, AD filed two motions for partial summary judgment. On February 17, 2015, we opposed both of AD’s motions, and AD opposed our motion. On February 23, 2015, the Company filed a reply brief in support of its motion for summary judgment. A trial was scheduled to begin on April 21, 2015, however, on March 25, 2015 the parties executed a confidential settlement agreement and release (the “Settlement Agreement”) in which the parties mutually agreed to resolve the dispute that was the subject of the lawsuit filed by AD against the Company to the parties’ mutual satisfaction. Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, we agreed to pay AD $3,600,000 payable on or before April 8, 2015 and also to qualify certain AD labels for use on our food safety terminals at an estimated cost of $25,000. We made the $3,600,000 payment to AD on April 8, 2015 and borrowed $2,500,000 under our revolving credit facility with TD Bank to fund the payment. We recorded the total expense of $3,625,000 in the fourth quarter 2014 as an operating expense included in the line item “Legal fees and settlement expenses associated with lawsuit” on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and as a current liability included in the line item “Accrued lawsuit settlement expenses” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. In the second quarter of 2015 we reversed $25,000 of this expense because AD did not provide the label testing information by the due date required per the settlement agreement. At December 31, 2015, we were the lessee on operating leases for equipment and real property. Rent expense was $932,000, $918,000 and $918,000 in 2015, 2014, and 2013, 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, 2015 are as follows: $618,000 in 2016; $264,000 in 2017; $184,000 in 2018; $186,000 in 2019, $191,000 in 2020 and $365,000 thereafter.

11. Stock incentive plans (Under Review)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

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

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

11. Stock incentive plans

Stock incentive plans. We currently have two primary stock incentive plans: the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan and 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, which provide for awards to executives, key employees, directors and consultants. We previously maintained two other stock incentive plans, the 1996 Director’s Stock Plan and the 2001 Employee Stock Plan, both of which expired during 2014. 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. 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 2014, no new awards will be made under the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan. Under our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, we may authorize awards for up to 600,000 shares of TransAct common stock. At December 31, 2015, 341,922 shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan.

Under the assumptions indicated below, the weighted-average fair value of stock option grants for 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $6.73, $11.11 and $7.94, respectively. The table below indicates the key assumptions used in the option valuation calculations for options granted in 2015, 2014, and 2013 and a discussion of our methodology for developing each of the assumptions used in the valuation model:

	Year ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Expected option term	6.8 years		6.6 years		6.8 years
Expected volatility		50.4%		53.8%		56.5%
Risk-free interest rate		1.6%		1.6%		0.8%
Dividend yield		4.7%		2.6%		3.1%

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 –The dividend yield is calculated by dividing the annual dividend declared per common share by the weighted average market value of our common stock on the date of grant. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense.

For 2015, 2014, and 2013, we recorded $488,000, $506,000, and $521,000 of share-based compensation expense, respectively, included primarily in general and administrative expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We also recorded income tax benefits of $148,000, $377,000, and $127,000 in 2015, 2014, and 2013 respectively, related to such share-based compensation. At December 31, 2015, these benefits are recorded as a deferred tax asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Option activity in the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan and 2014 Equity Incentive Plan is summarized below:

	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2014		795,975	$	8.41
Granted		204,000		6.73
Exercised		(34,600)		7.60
Forfeited		(7,625)		8.53
Expired		(42,375)		8.16
Outstanding at December 31, 2015		915,375	$	8.08	6.1 years	$	1,089,000

Options exercisable at December 31, 2015		517,375	$	7.97	4.2 years	$	636,000
Options vested or expected to vest		899,028	$	8.08	6.0 years	$	1,071,000

Shares that are issued upon exercise of employee stock options are newly issued shares and not issued from treasury stock. As of December 31, 2015, unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options is approximately $876,000, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.8 years.

The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $32,000, $20,000 and $910,000 and the total fair value of stock options vested was $944,000, $943,000, and $815,000 during 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Cash received from option exercises was $263,000, $13,000 and $1,045,000 for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. We recorded a realized tax benefit in 2015, 2014, and 2013 from equity-based awards of $4,000, $7,000 and $132,000, respectively, related to options exercised which has been included as a component of cash flows from financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

We paid a portion of the 2014, 2013 and 2012 incentive bonus for the chief executive officer and chief financial officer in the form of 23,578, 8,663 and 17,613 deferred stock units, respectively, with a corresponding credit recorded to Additional Paid in Capital (net of share relinquishments) in the amounts of $121,000, $56,000 and $111,000 in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Such deferred stock units were granted in February 2015, March 2014, and March 2013, 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 $8.00.

- 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 + Details

12. Income taxes (Under Review)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

12. Income taxes

The components of the income tax provision are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014		2013
Current:
Federal	$	450	$	176	$	1,479
State		22		15		38
Foreign		-		12		33
		472		203		1,550
Deferred:
Federal		843		(1,653)		80
State		35		17		(34)
Foreign		-		-		-
		878		(1,636)		46
Income tax (benefit) provision	$	1,350	$	(1,433)	$	1,596

Our effective tax rates were 30.4%, 37.2%, and 24.4% for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The effective tax rate for 2014 was unusually high due to the impact from the net loss reported for the year ending 2014. Our effective tax rate for 2013 was unusually low because it included: 1) a $224,000 reduction in tax liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from the completion of an audit of our 2010 federal income tax return and 2) the benefit from the 2012 federal research and development credit (“R&D credit”) of $220,000 as this credit was not renewed until January 2, 2013 as a component of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.

At December 31, 2015, we have no federal or state net operating loss carryforwards and no R&D credit carryforwards. We have approximately $36,000 in state tax credit carryforwards that begin to expire in 2020. Foreign loss before taxes was $174,000, $56,000, and $29,000 in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

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 deferred tax assets and liabilities were comprised of the following:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014
Deferred tax assets:
Foreign net operating losses	$	340	$	282
Accrued lawsuit settlement expenses		-		1,262
Inventory reserves		1,312		1,063
Deferred revenue		25		56
Warranty reserve		95		100
Stock compensation expense		1,105		1,049
Other accrued compensation		475		406
Foreign tax and other credits		23		106
Other liabilities and reserves		191		312
Gross deferred tax assets		3,566		4,636
Valuation allowance		(340)		(282)
Net deferred tax assets		3,226		4,354

Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation		45		142
Other		36		76
Net deferred tax liabilities		81		218
Total net deferred tax assets		3,145		4,136

As of December 31, 2015 a valuation allowance of $340,000 has been established for foreign net operating loss carryforwards 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)	2015		2014		2013
Balance, beginning of period	$	282	$	242	$	216
Additions charged to income tax provision		58		40		56
Reductions credited to income tax provision		-		-		(30)
Balance, end of period	$	340	$	282	$	242

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

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013

Federal statutory tax rate		34.0%		34.0%		34.0%
Valuation allowance and tax accruals		1.3		(1.1)		0.9
State income taxes, net of federal income taxes		0.8		(0.5)		0.1
Uncertain tax positions		(0.3)		(1.0)		-
Miscellaneous permanent items		(0.7)		(0.3)		(8.3)
R&D credit		(4.9)		6.0		-
Other		0.2		0.1		(2.3)
Effective tax rate		30.4%		37.2%		24.4%

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had $114,000 and $124,000 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)	2015		2014
Unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1	$	124	$	106
Tax positions taken during the current period		25		18
Lapse of statute of limitations		(35)		-
Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31	$	114	$	124

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 2011. During 2013, an examination of our 2010 federal tax return was completed. However, our federal tax returns for the years 2012 through 2014 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.

We do not anticipate that the total unrecognized tax benefits of $114,000 will significantly change due to the settlement of audits and the expiration of statute of limitations prior to December 31, 2016.

We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in the income tax provision. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we have $19,000 and $20,000, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.

13. Earnings per share (Under Review)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

13. Earnings per share

For 2015, 2014, and 2013, earnings per share were computed as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Net income (loss):	$	3,092	$	(2,421)	$	4,935

Shares:
Basic: Weighted average common shares outstanding		7,818		8,307		8,589
Add: Dilutive effect of outstanding options as determined by the treasury stock method		36		-		114
Diluted: Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding		7,854		8,307		8,703

Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic	$	0.40	$	(0.29)	$	0.57
Diluted		0.39		(0.29)		0.57

14. Stock repurchase program (Under Review)	12 Months Ended
14. Stock repurchase program (Under Review)	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Treasury Stock [Text Block]	14. Stock repurchase program

15. Geographic area information (Under Review)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]

15. 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 asset.

	Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014		2013
Net sales:
United States	$	45,730	$	38,567	$	46,377
International		13,946		14,541		13,764
Total	$	59,676	$	53,108	$	60,141

Fixed assets, net:
United States	$	1,769	$	1,490	$	1,583
International		738		948		1,149
Total	$	2,507	$	2,438	$	2,732

Sales to international customers were 23%, 27%, and 23% in 2015, 2014, and 2013 respectively. Sales to Europe represented 56%, 49%, and 52%, sales to the Pacific Rim (which includes Australia and Asia) represented 34%, 33%, and 26%, and sales to Canada represented 8%, 5%, and 10% of total international sales in 2015, 2014, and 2013 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, Thailand, 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

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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-Section 50
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

16. Quarterly results of operations (unaudited) (Under Review)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]

16. Quarterly results of operations (unaudited)

Our quarterly results of operations for 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

	Quarter Ended
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
2015:
Net sales	$	16,164	$	17,224	$	14,172	$	12,116
Gross profit		6,492		7,161		6,291		5,034
Net income		144		1,388		1,028		532
Net income per share:
Basic		0.02		0.18		0.13		0.07
Diluted		0.02		0.18		0.13		0.07

2014:
Net sales	$	13,619	$	13,804	$	13,389	$	12,296
Gross profit		5,726		5,788		5,286		4,911
Net income (loss)		394		175		50		(3,040)
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic		0.05		0.02		0.01		(0.37)
Diluted		0.05		0.02		0.01		(0.37)

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014		2013
Balance, beginning of period	$	100	$	63	$	66
Additions charged to costs and expenses		7		37		-
Write-offs		(57)		-		(3)
Balance, end of period	$	50	$	100	$	63

Concentration Risk, Customer

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="10" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"> Year ended December 31, </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"> 2015 </div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"> 2014 </div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"> 2013 </div> </td> </tr> <tr style="background-color: #cceeff;"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="64%"> <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> IGT </div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">29%</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">19%</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">19%</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="64%"> <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> Suzo-Happ </div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">14%</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">7%</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">4%</td> </tr> <tr style="background-color: #cceeff;"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="64%"> <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> Eurocoin </div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-%</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">11%</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">12%</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="12" valign="bottom"> </td> </tr> </table>

19%

Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014		2013
Balance, beginning of period	$	287	$	366	$	274
Warranties issued		267		183		492
Warranty settlements		(277)		(262)		(400)
Balance, end of period	$	277	$	287	$	366

4. Inventories (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014
Raw materials and purchased component parts		6,627	$	6,183
Work-in-process		1		4
Finished goods		4,668		5,619
	$	11,296	$	11,806

5. Fixed assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014
Tooling, machinery and equipment	$	10,836	$	10,620
Furniture and office equipment		1,578		1,489
Computer software and equipment		6,037		6,132
Leasehold improvements		2,318		1,952
		20,769		20,193
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(18,336)		(17,858)
		2,433		2,335
Construction in-process		74		103
	$	2,507	$	2,438

6. Intangible assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]

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

	December 31,
	2015				2014
(In thousands)	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Purchased technology	$	1,604	$	(1,357)	$	1,604	$	(1,172)
Customer relationships		1,300		(946)		1,300		(729)
Trademark		480		(210)		480		(162)
Covenant not to compete		146		(146)		146		(146)
Patents		57		(40)		57		(37)
Other		80		(80)		80		(80)
Total	$	3,667	$	(2,779)	$	3,667	$	(2,326)

7. Accrued liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014
Salaries and compensation related	$	2,209	$	1,852
Warranty		164		207
Professional and consulting		159		959
Other		306		302
	$	2,838	$	3,320

11. Stock incentive plans (Under Review) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

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

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

	Year ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Expected option term	6.8 years		6.6 years		6.8 years
Expected volatility		50.4%		53.8%		56.5%
Risk-free interest rate		1.6%		1.6%		0.8%
Dividend yield		4.7%		2.6%		3.1%

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, 2014		795,975	$	8.41
Granted		204,000		6.73
Exercised		(34,600)		7.60
Forfeited		(7,625)		8.53
Expired		(42,375)		8.16
Outstanding at December 31, 2015		915,375	$	8.08	6.1 years	$	1,089,000

Options exercisable at December 31, 2015		517,375	$	7.97	4.2 years	$	636,000
Options vested or expected to vest		899,028	$	8.08	6.0 years	$	1,071,000

12. Income taxes (Under Review) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

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

	Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014		2013
Current:
Federal	$	450	$	176	$	1,479
State		22		15		38
Foreign		-		12		33
		472		203		1,550
Deferred:
Federal		843		(1,653)		80
State		35		17		(34)
Foreign		-		-		-
		878		(1,636)		46
Income tax (benefit) provision	$	1,350	$	(1,433)	$	1,596

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

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014
Deferred tax assets:
Foreign net operating losses	$	340	$	282
Accrued lawsuit settlement expenses		-		1,262
Inventory reserves		1,312		1,063
Deferred revenue		25		56
Warranty reserve		95		100
Stock compensation expense		1,105		1,049
Other accrued compensation		475		406
Foreign tax and other credits		23		106
Other liabilities and reserves		191		312
Gross deferred tax assets		3,566		4,636
Valuation allowance		(340)		(282)
Net deferred tax assets		3,226		4,354

Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation		45		142
Other		36		76
Net deferred tax liabilities		81		218
Total net deferred tax assets		3,145		4,136

Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block]

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014		2013
Balance, beginning of period	$	282	$	242	$	216
Additions charged to income tax provision		58		40		56
Reductions credited to income tax provision		-		-		(30)
Balance, end of period	$	340	$	282	$	242

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

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013

Federal statutory tax rate		34.0%		34.0%		34.0%
Valuation allowance and tax accruals		1.3		(1.1)		0.9
State income taxes, net of federal income taxes		0.8		(0.5)		0.1
Uncertain tax positions		(0.3)		(1.0)		-
Miscellaneous permanent items		(0.7)		(0.3)		(8.3)
R&D credit		(4.9)		6.0		-
Other		0.2		0.1		(2.3)
Effective tax rate		30.4%		37.2%		24.4%

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

(In thousands)	2015		2014
Unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1	$	124	$	106
Tax positions taken during the current period		25		18
Lapse of statute of limitations		(35)		-
Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31	$	114	$	124

13. Earnings per share (Under Review) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

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

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Net income (loss):	$	3,092	$	(2,421)	$	4,935

Shares:
Basic: Weighted average common shares outstanding		7,818		8,307		8,589
Add: Dilutive effect of outstanding options as determined by the treasury stock method		36		-		114
Diluted: Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding		7,854		8,307		8,703

Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic	$	0.40	$	(0.29)	$	0.57
Diluted		0.39		(0.29)		0.57

15. Geographic area information (Under Review) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

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

	Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2015		2014		2013
Net sales:
United States	$	45,730	$	38,567	$	46,377
International		13,946		14,541		13,764
Total	$	59,676	$	53,108	$	60,141

Fixed assets, net:
United States	$	1,769	$	1,490	$	1,583
International		738		948		1,149
Total	$	2,507	$	2,438	$	2,732

16. Quarterly results of operations (unaudited) (Under Review) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]

	Quarter Ended
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
2015:
Net sales	$	16,164	$	17,224	$	14,172	$	12,116
Gross profit		6,492		7,161		6,291		5,034
Net income		144		1,388		1,028		532
Net income per share:
Basic		0.02		0.18		0.13		0.07
Diluted		0.02		0.18		0.13		0.07

2014:
Net sales	$	13,619	$	13,804	$	13,389	$	12,296
Gross profit		5,726		5,788		5,286		4,911
Net income (loss)		394		175		50		(3,040)
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic		0.05		0.02		0.01		(0.37)
Diluted		0.05		0.02		0.01		(0.37)

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	$ 50,000	$ 100,000
Depreciation	972,000	925,000	$ 1,216,000
Research and Development Expense	$ 3,599,000	4,302,000	4,065,000
Capitalized Computer Software, Net		169,000	31,000
Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization		$ 201,000	199,000	$ 138,000
Advertising Expense			$ 1,058,000	$ 858,000	$ 2,015
Trade and Loan Receivables, Method of Accounting for Receivables that Can be Contractually Prepaid, Policy [Policy Text Block]		$1,191,000

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Details) - Valuation for Accounts Receivable - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation for Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 100	$ 63	$ 66
Additions charged to costs and expenses	7	37
Write-offs	(57)		(3)
Balance, end of period	$ 50	$ 100	$ 63

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Details) - Sales to customers representing 10% or more of total net sales were as follows:	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Sales to customers representing 10% or more of total net sales were as follows: [Abstract]
Sales to customers representing 10% or more of total net sales	<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font></td> <td colspan="10" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <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">Year ended December 31,</font> </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font></td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <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">2015</font> </div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font></td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <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">2014</font> </div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font></td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font></td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <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">2013</font> </div> </td> </tr> <tr style="background-color: #cceeff;"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="64%"> <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">IGT</font> </div> </td> <td 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">29%</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td 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">19%</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td 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">19%</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="64%"> <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">Suzo-Happ</font> </div> </td> <td 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">14%</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td 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">7%</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td 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">4%</font></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color: #cceeff;"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="64%"> <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">Eurocoin</font> </div> </td> <td 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 nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td 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">11%</font></td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td 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">12%</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="12" valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"> </font></td> </tr> </table>	19%	19%

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Details) - Product Warranty Liability - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Product Warranty Liability [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 287	$ 366	$ 274
Warranties issued	267	183	492
Warranty settlements	(277)	(262)	(400)
Balance, end of period	$ 277	$ 287	$ 366

3. Contingent Consideration (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
3. Contingent Consideration (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements [Abstract]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Range of Outcomes, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Significant Inputs				30%
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	$ 0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability	$ 0	$ 60,000	$ 900,000

4. Inventories (Details) - Inventory Components - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Components [Abstract]
Raw materials and purchased component parts	$ 6,627	$ 6,183
Work-in-process	1	4
Finished goods	4,668	5,619
	$ 11,296	$ 11,806

5. Fixed assets (Details) - Fixed Asset Components - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fixed Asset Components [Abstract]
Tooling, machinery and equipment	$ 10,836	$ 10,620
Furniture and office equipment	1,578	1,489
Computer software and equipment	6,037	6,132
Leasehold improvements	2,318	1,952
	20,769	20,193
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(18,336)	(17,858)
	2,433	2,335
Construction in-process	74	103
	$ 2,507	$ 2,438

6. Intangible assets (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five		$ 78,000					$ 454,000	$ 515,000	$ 513,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months						$ 333,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two					$ 245,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three				$ 102,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four			$ 99,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five	$ 31,000

6. Intangible assets (Details) - Intangible Asset Components - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Asset Components [Abstract]
Purchased technology	$ 1,604	$ 1,604
Purchased technology	(1,357)	(1,172)
Customer relationships	1,300	1,300
Customer relationships	(946)	(729)
Trademark	480	480
Trademark	(210)	(162)
Covenant not to compete	146	146
Covenant not to compete	(146)	(146)
Patents	57	57
Patents	(40)	(37)
Other	80	80
Other	(80)	(80)
Total	3,667	3,667
Total	$ (2,779)	$ (2,326)

7. Accrued liabilities (Details) - Accrued Liabilities Components - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities Components [Abstract]
Salaries and compensation related	$ 2,209	$ 1,852
Warranty	164	207
Professional and consulting	159	959
Other	306	302
	$ 2,838	$ 3,320

8. Retirement savings plan (Under Review) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 197,000	$ 282,000	$ 265,000

9. Borrowings (Under Review) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 20,000,000

10. Commitments and contingencies (Under Review) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Litigation Settlement, Amount	$ 25,000	$ 3,600,000
Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Terms		$25,000
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period		$ 3,625,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 932,000	$ 918,000	$ 918,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months									$ 618,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years								$ 264,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years							$ 184,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years						$ 186,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years					$ 191,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter				$ 365,000

11. Stock incentive plans (Under Review) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in Shares)	600,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in Shares)	341,922
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$ 6.73	$ 11.11	$ 7.94
Employee Benefits and Share-based Compensation	$ 488,000	$ 506,000	$ 521,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense		377,000	127,000	$ 148,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized		$ 876,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		2 years 292 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value		$ 20,000	910,000	32,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value		943,000	815,000	944,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options		13,000	1,045,000	263,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options	(48,000)	$ 7,000	$ 132,000	$ 4,000
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance (in Shares)		8,663	17,613	23,578
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Unit or Restricted Stock Award, Requisite Service Period Recognition	$ 160,000	$ 100,000	$ 139,000	$ 121,000
Adjustments to additional paid in capital, share-based compensation, resticted stock net of relinquisments for tax		56,000	$ 111,000
Resticted Stock Units, weighted average exercise price		$ 8.00

11. Stock incentive plans (Under Review) (Details) - Stock Option Assumptions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Option Assumptions [Abstract]
Expected option term	6 years 292 days	6 years 219 days	6 years 292 days
Expected volatility	50.40%	53.80%	56.50%
Risk-free interest rate	1.60%	1.60%	0.80%
Dividend yield	4.70%	2.60%	3.10%

11. Stock incentive plans (Under Review) (Details) - Stock Option Rollforward - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock Option Rollforward [Abstract]
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in Shares)			795,975
Outstanding at December 31, 2014			$ 8.41
Outstanding at December 31, 2015 (in Shares)	915,375	915,375
Outstanding at December 31, 2015	$ 8.08	$ 8.08
Outstanding at December 31, 2015	6 years 36 days
Outstanding at December 31, 2015 (in Dollars)	$ 1,089,000	$ 1,089,000
Options exercisable at December 31, 2015 (in Shares)	517,375	517,375
Options exercisable at December 31, 2015	$ 7.97	$ 7.97
Options exercisable at December 31, 2015		4 years 73 days
Options exercisable at December 31, 2015 (in Dollars)	$ 636,000,000	$ 636,000,000
Options vested or expected to vest (in Shares)	899,028	899,028
Options vested or expected to vest	$ 8.08	$ 8.08
Options vested or expected to vest		6 years
Options vested or expected to vest (in Dollars)	$ 1,071,000,000	$ 1,071,000,000
Granted (in Shares)			204,000
Granted			$ 6.73
Exercised (in Dollars)			$ (34,600,000)
Exercised			$ 7.60
Forfeited (in Shares)			(7,625)
Forfeited			$ 8.53
Expired (in Shares)			(42,375)
Expired			$ 8.16

12. Income taxes (Under Review) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
12. Income taxes (Under Review) (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	30.40%	37.20%	24.40%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued			$ 224,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 114,000	$ 124,000	114,000	$ 220,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Research	36,000
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign	174,000	56,000	$ 29,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	340,000	340,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	114,000
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Accrued	$ 19,000	$ 20,000

12. Income taxes (Under Review) (Details) - Income Tax Provision Components - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current:
Federal	$ 450	$ 176	$ 1,479
State	22	15	38
Foreign		12	33
	472	203	1,550
Deferred:
Federal	843	(1,653)	80
State	35	17	(34)
	878	(1,636)	46
Income tax (benefit) provision	$ 1,350	$ (1,433)	$ 1,596

12. Income taxes (Under Review) (Details) - Deferred Income Tax Components - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
Foreign net operating losses	$ 340,000	$ 282,000
Accrued lawsuit settlement expenses		1,262,000
Inventory reserves	1,312,000	1,063,000
Deferred revenue	25,000	56,000
Warranty reserve	95,000	100,000
Stock compensation expense	1,105,000	1,049,000
Other accrued compensation	475,000	406,000
Foreign tax and other credits	23,000	106,000
Other liabilities and reserves	191,000	312,000
Gross deferred tax assets	3,566,000	4,636,000
Valuation allowance	(340,000)	(340,000)
Net deferred tax assets	3,226,000	4,354,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation	45,000	142,000
Other	36,000	76,000
Net deferred tax liabilities	81,000	218,000
Total net deferred tax assets	$ 3,145,000	$ 4,136,000

12. Income taxes (Under Review) (Details) - Valuation Allowance Rollforward - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation Allowance Rollforward [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 282	$ 242	$ 216
Additions charged to income tax provision	58	40	56
Reductions credited to income tax provision			(30)
Balance, end of period	$ 340	$ 282	$ 242

12. Income taxes (Under Review) (Details) - Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Federal statutory tax rate	34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
Valuation allowance and tax accruals	1.30%	(1.10%)	0.90%
State income taxes, net of federal income taxes	0.80%	(0.50%)	0.10%
Uncertain tax positions	(0.30%)	(1.00%)
Miscellaneous permanent items	(0.70%)	(0.30%)	(8.30%)
R&D credit	(4.90%)	6.00%
Other	0.20%	0.10%	(2.30%)
Effective tax rate	30.40%	37.20%	24.40%

12. Income taxes (Under Review) (Details) - Unrecognized Tax Benefit Rollforward - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Unrecognized Tax Benefit Rollforward [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1	$ 124,000	$ 114,000
Tax positions taken during the current period	25,000	18,000
Lapse of statute of limitations	(35,000)
Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31	$ 114,000	$ 124,000

13. Earnings per share (Under Review) (Details) - Earnings Per Share - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss): (in Dollars)	$ 532	$ 1,028	$ 1,388	$ 144	$ 3,092	$ (2,421)	$ 4,935
Shares:
Basic: Weighted average common shares outstanding					7,818	8,307	8,589
Add: Dilutive effect of outstanding options as determined by the treasury stock method					36		114
Diluted: Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding					7,854	8,307	8,703
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.13	$ 0.18	$ 0.02	$ 0.40	$ (0.29)	$ 0.57
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.13	$ 0.18	$ 0.02	$ 0.39	$ (0.29)	$ 0.57

15. Geographic area information (Under Review) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
15. Geographic area information (Under Review) (Details) [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	23.00%	27.00%		23.00%
UNITED KINGDOM [MEMBER]
15. Geographic area information (Under Review) (Details) [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	56.00%	49.00%	52.00%
PACIFIC RIM [MEMBER]
15. Geographic area information (Under Review) (Details) [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	34.00%	33.00%	26.00%
CANADA [MEMBER]
15. Geographic area information (Under Review) (Details) [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	8.00%	5.00%	10.00%

15. Geographic area information (Under Review) (Details) - Geographic Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net sales:
United States					$ 45,730	$ 38,567	$ 46,377
International					13,946	14,541	13,764
Total	$ 12,116	$ 14,172	$ 17,224	$ 16,164	59,676	53,108	60,141
Fixed assets, net:
United States	1,769				1,769	1,490	1,583
International	738				738	948	1,149
Total	$ 2,507				$ 2,507	$ 2,438	$ 2,732

16. Quarterly results of operations (unaudited) (Under Review) (Details) - Quarterly Financial Information - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
2015:
Net sales	$ 12,116	$ 14,172	$ 17,224	$ 16,164	$ 59,676	$ 53,108	$ 60,141
Gross profit	5,034	6,291	7,161	6,492	24,978	21,711	25,092
Net income (loss)	$ 532	$ 1,028	$ 1,388	$ 144	$ 3,092	$ (2,421)	$ 4,935
Net income per share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.13	$ 0.18	$ 0.02	$ 0.40	$ (0.29)	$ 0.57
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.13	$ 0.18	$ 0.02	$ 0.39	$ (0.29)	$ 0.57