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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	TRANSACT TECHNOLOGIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001017303
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Public Float			$ 58,800,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		7,478,064
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 5,507	$ 2,503
Accounts receivable, net	10,948	10,585
Inventories	8,875	9,707
Prepaid income taxes	514	0
Other current assets	517	372
Total current assets	26,361	23,167
Fixed assets, net	2,169	2,241
Goodwill	2,621	2,621
Deferred tax assets	2,308	3,432
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $2,779 and $2,326, respectively	458	545
Other assets	33	36
Total noncurrent assets	7,589	8,875
Total assets	33,950	32,042
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	3,841	4,894
Accrued liabilities	3,339	2,394
Income taxes payable	0	19
Deferred revenue	169	117
Total current liabilities	7,349	7,424
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	69	67
Deferred rent, net of current portion	271	178
Other liabilities	247	264
Total noncurrent liabilities	587	509
Total liabilities	7,936	7,933
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued	0	0
Common Stock, Value, Issued	114	112
Additional paid-in capital	31,353	29,701
Retained earnings	24,756	24,157
Treasury stock, 3,851,967 and 3,388,589 shares, at cost	(99)	(109)
Treasury stock, 3,388,589 and 3,222,036 shares, at cost	(30,110)	(29,752)
Total shareholders' equity	26,014	24,109
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	33,950	32,042
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued	$ 0	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 3,359	$ 3,122
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	4,800,000	4,800,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	11,366,526	11,185,331
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	7,478,094	7,333,364
Treasury stock (in shares)	3,888,432	3,851,967
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	200,000	200,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 56,311	$ 57,235	$ 59,676
Cost of sales	29,649	33,436	34,698
Gross profit	26,662	23,799	24,978
Operating expenses:
Engineering, design and product development	4,303	4,425	3,599
Selling and marketing	7,561	6,907	7,806
General and administrative	7,984	7,267	7,367
Legal fees and settlement expenses associated with lawsuit (Note 10)	0	0	1,738
Operating expenses	19,848	18,599	20,510
Operating income (loss)	6,814	5,200	4,468
Interest and other income (expense):
Interest expense	(33)	(33)	(37)
Interest income	0	7	9
Other, net	(9)	(4)	2
Interest and other income (expense)	(42)	(30)	(26)
Income (loss) before income taxes	6,772	5,170	4,442
Income tax provision (benefit)	3,561	1,553	1,350
Net income (loss)	$ 3,211	$ 3,617	$ 3,092
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.43	$ 0.48	$ 0.40
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.42	$ 0.47	$ 0.39
Shares used in per-share calculation:
Basic (in shares)	7,423	7,610	7,818
Diluted (in shares)	7,592	7,655	7,854
Dividends declared and paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.35	$ 0.32	$ 0.32

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 3,211	$ 3,617	$ 3,092
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	10	(29)	(8)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 3,221	$ 3,588	$ 3,084

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 111	$ 28,167	$ 22,349	$ (25,161)	$ (72)	$ 25,394
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	7,900,257
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of shares from exercise of stock options	$ 1	262	0	0	0	263
Issuance of shares from exercise of stock options (in shares)	34,600
Issuance of deferred stock units	$ 0	160	0	0	0	160
Issuance of common stock on deferred stock units, net of relinquishments	$ 0	(39)	0	0	0	(39)
Issuance of common stock on deferred stock units, net of relinquishments (in shares)	13,988
Relinquishments of stock options and deferred stock units to pay withholding taxes	$ 0	(48)	0	0	0	(48)
Purchase of treasury stock	$ 0	0	0	(1,020)	0	(1,020)
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	(166,553)
Dividends declared and paid on common stock	$ 0	0	(2,485)	0	0	(2,485)
Share-based compensation expense	0	488	0	0	0	488
ASU 2016-09 Adjustment	0	(69)	0	0	0	(69)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	0	0	0	0	(8)	(8)
Net income (loss)	0	0	3,092	0	0	3,092
Balance at December 31, 2017 at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 112	28,921	22,956	(26,181)	(80)	25,728
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	7,782,292
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of shares from exercise of stock options	$ 0	23	0	0	0	23
Issuance of shares from exercise of stock options (in shares)	3,750
Issuance of deferred stock units	$ 0	202	0	0	0	202
Issuance of common stock on deferred stock units, net of relinquishments	$ 0	(51)	0	0	0	(51)
Issuance of common stock on deferred stock units, net of relinquishments (in shares)	10,700
Relinquishments of stock options and deferred stock units to pay withholding taxes	$ 0	1	0	0	0	1
Purchase of treasury stock	$ 0	0	0	(3,571)	0	(3,571)
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	(463,378)
Dividends declared and paid on common stock	$ 0	0	(2,416)	0	0	(2,416)
Share-based compensation expense	0	611	0	0	0	611
ASU 2016-09 Adjustment	0	(6)	0	0	0	(6)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	0	0	0	0	(29)	(29)
Net income (loss)	0	0	3,617	0	0	3,617
Balance at December 31, 2017 at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 112	29,701	24,157	(29,752)	(109)	$ 24,109
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	7,333,364					11,185,331
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of shares from exercise of stock options	$ 2	1,041	0	0	0	$ 1,043
Issuance of shares from exercise of stock options (in shares)	166,600
Issuance of deferred stock units	$ 0	0	0	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock on deferred stock units, net of relinquishments	$ 0	0	0	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock on deferred stock units, net of relinquishments (in shares)	8,663
Relinquishments of stock options and deferred stock units to pay withholding taxes	$ 0	(29)	0	0	0	(29)
Purchase of treasury stock	$ 0	0	0	(358)	0	(358)
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	(36,465)
Dividends declared and paid on common stock	$ 0	0	(2,581)	0	0	(2,581)
Share-based compensation expense	0	609	0	0	0	609
ASU 2016-09 Adjustment	0	31	(31)	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	0	0	0	0	10	10
Net income (loss)	0	0	3,211	0	0	3,211
Balance at December 31, 2017 at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 114	$ 31,353	$ 24,756	$ (30,110)	$ (99)	$ 26,014
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	7,478,094					11,366,526

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 3,211	$ 3,617	$ 3,092
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Share-based compensation expense	609	611	488
Depreciation and amortization	1,081	1,331	1,426
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)	1,117	(295)	878
Provision for Doubtful Accounts	50	0	7
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets	0	(5)	(4)
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	11	4	(1)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(405)	(3,434)	1,909
Inventories	834	1,580	509
Prepaid income taxes	(518)	(5)	407
Other current and long term assets	(137)	53	50
Accounts payable	(988)	2,255	277
Accrued lawsuit settlement expenses	0	0	(3,625)
Accrued liabilities and other liabilities	1,053	(1,088)	138
Net cash provided by operating activities	5,918	4,624	5,551
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(835)	(608)	(959)
Additions to capitalized software	(150)	0	0
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	0	8	4
Net cash used in investing activities	(985)	(600)	(955)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Revolving credit line borrowings	0	0	2,500
Revolving credit line payments	0	0	(2,500)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	1,043	23	263
Purchases of common stock for treasury	(358)	(3,571)	(1,020)
Payment of dividends on common stock	(2,581)	(2,416)	(2,485)
Payment of deferred financing costs	(23)	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,919)	(5,964)	(3,242)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(10)	(30)	(12)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	3,004	(1,970)	1,342
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2,503	4,473	3,131
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	5,507	2,503	4,473
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	30	31	34
Income taxes paid	2,991	2,065	130
Non-cash capital expenditure items	$ 44	$ 113	$ 84

Description of business	12 Months Ended
Description of business	Dec. 31, 2017
Description of business [Abstract]
Description of business	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: software-driven technology and printing solutions for high growth markets including restaurant solutions, casino and gaming, lottery, POS automation and banking, oil and gas and mobile markets. Our solutions are designed based on market-specific requirements and are sold under the AccuDate™ Ithaca®, RESPONDER®, Epic, EPICENTRAL^TM 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, 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^TM Print System ("EPICENTRAL^TM"), that enables casino operators to create promotional coupons and marketing messages and print them in real-time at the slot machine.

Summary of significant accounting policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Summary of significant accounting policies [Abstract]

Accounting policies

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 preparations of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make 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 and marketing of software-driven technology and printing solutions 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 $100,000 and $50,000 as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Balance, beginning of period	$	50	$	50	$	100
Additions charged to costs and expenses		50		-		7
Write-offs		-		-		(57	)
Balance, end of period	$	100	$	50	$	50

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (principally standard cost, which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value. We review net realizable value based on estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business less estimated costs of completions, disposal and transportation, 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 net realizable 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 $844,000, $987,000 and $972,000 in 2017, 2016, and 2015, 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.

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 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 or intangible asset impairment has occurred and the fair value of goodwill was substantially higher than our carrying value based on our assessment as of December 31, 2017 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 and technical support 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 also sell 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 EPICENTRAL^TM 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." EPICENTRAL^TM 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, inclusive of software license fees, is generally recognized upon installation and formal acceptance by the customer with the exception of any amount allocated to free maintenance which is deferred and recognized over the initial maintenance period, generally one year.

For EPICENTRAL^TM and other multiple deliverable arrangements, we consider whether the deliverables in an arrangement are within the scope of existing higher-level GAAP and apply such literature to the extent that it provides guidance regarding whether to separate multiple-deliverable arrangements and how to allocate value among those separate units of accounting. When we enter into a multiple deliverable arrangement, we also determine whether revenue arrangements consist of more than one unit of accounting. At that time, we allocate arrangement consideration to the separate units of accounting based on a relative selling price hierarchy, except where amounts allocable to the delivered units is limited to that which is contingent upon the delivery of additional deliverables or meeting other specified performance conditions. The relative selling price for each element is based upon the following selling price hierarchy: vendor specific objective evidence ("VSOE") if available, third party evidence ("TPE") if VSOE is not available, or best estimate of selling price ("BESP") to the extent that VSOE or TPE are not available.

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

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

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

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

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

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

	December 31,
	2017			2016
International Gaming Technology ("IGT")		48	%		34	%
Suzo-Happ		13	%		18	%

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

	Year ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
IGT		35	%		26	%		29	%
Suzo-Happ		8	%		15	%		14	%

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

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

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Balance, beginning of period	$	267		$	277		$	287
Warranties issued		259			254			267
Warranty settlements		(259	)		(264	)		(277	)
Balance, end of period	$	267		$	267		$	277

$186,000 and $169,000 of the accrued product warranty liability were classified as current in Accrued liabilities at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The remaining $81,000 and $98,000 of the accrued product warranty liability is classified as long-term in Other liabilities.

Engineering, design and product development: Research and development ("R&D") 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 $4,303,000, $4,425,000 and $3,599,000 of research and development expenses in 2017, 2016, and 2015, 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 have been included in cost of sales over the estimated life of the product. During 2010, we began the development of EPICENTRAL^TM and unamortized development costs for such software were $0 and $2,000 as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The total amount charged to cost of sales for the amortization of capitalized software development costs was $2,000, $29,000 and $138,000 in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Advertising: Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses, which are included in selling and marketing expense on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income, for 2017, 2016, and 2015 totaled $974,000, $703,000 and $858,000, 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 11 for information regarding our accounting for income taxes and additional provision items recorded in regards to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Reform Act").

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 Income.

Share-based payments: At December 31, 2017, we have share-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 10 - 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 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. Beginning in the first quarter of 2017, we recognize forfeitures as they occur.

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 12 - Earnings per share.

Inventories

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Inventories [Abstract]

Inventories

3. Inventories, net

The components of inventories are:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2017		2016
Raw materials and purchased component parts	$	6,322	$	6,298
Work-in-process		-		8
Finished goods		2,553		3,401
	$	8,875	$	9,707

Fixed assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Fixed assets [Abstract]

Fixed assets

4. Fixed assets

The components of fixed assets, net are:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2017			2016
Tooling, machinery and equipment	$	11,019		$	11,035
Furniture and office equipment		1,651			1,630
Computer software and equipment		6,503			6,260
Leasehold improvements		2,475			2,361
		21,648			21,286
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(19,752	)		(19,215	)
		1,896			2,071
Construction in-process		273			170
	$	2,169		$	2,241

Intangible assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Intangible assets [Abstract]

Intangible assets

5. Intangible assets

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

	December 31,
	2017					2016
(In thousands)	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Purchased technology	$	1,754	$	(1,481	)	$	1,604	$	(1,433	)
Customer relationships		1,300		(1,300	)		1,300		(1,163	)
Trademark		480		(306	)		480		(257	)
Covenant not to compete		146		(146	)		146		(146	)
Patents		57		(46	)		57		(43	)
Other		80		(80	)		80		(80	)
Total	$	3,817	$	(3,359	)	$	3,667	$	(3,122	)

Amortization expense was $237,000, $343,000 and $454,000 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Amortization expense for each of the next five years ending December 31 is expected to be as follows: $128,000 in 2018; $127,000 in 2019; $112,000 in 2020; $61,000 in 2021; and $30,000 in 2022.

Accrued liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accrued liabilities [Abstract]

Accrued liabilities

6. Accrued liabilities

The components of accrued liabilities are:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2017		2016
Salaries and compensation related	$	2,288	$	1,722
Warranty		186		169
Professional and consulting		209		153
Other		656		350
	$	3,339	$	2,394

Retirement savings plan	12 Months Ended
Retirement savings plan	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement savings plan [Abstract]
Retirement savings plan	7. 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 $264,000, $295,000 and $197,000 in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Borrowings	12 Months Ended
Borrowings	Dec. 31, 2017
Borrowings [Abstract]
Borrowings	8. Borrowings We maintain a credit facility (the "TD Bank Credit Facility") with TD Bank N.A. ("TD Bank) which provides for a $20,000,000 revolving credit line. On November 21, 2017, we signed an amendment extending the term to the TD Bank Credit Facility through November 28, 2022. Borrowings under the revolving credit line bear a floating rate of interest at the prime rate minus one percent and are secured by a lien on all of our assets. We also pay a fee of 0.125% on unused borrowings under the revolving credit line. The amendment increased the amount of revolving credit loans we may use to fund future cash dividend payments or treasury share buybacks to $12,500,000 from $10,000,000. 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, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, undrawn commitments under the TD Bank Credit facility were $20,000,000.

Commitments and contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and contingencies	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and contingencies	9. 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 restaurant solutions terminals. The complaint requested a preliminary and permanent injunction against us from manufacturing and selling our Ithaca® 9700 and 9800 restaurant solutions terminals. After more than two years of legal proceedings, 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 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 restaurant solutions terminals at an estimated cost of $25,000. 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, 2017, we were the lessee on operating leases for equipment and real property. Rent expense was $1,142,000, $1,046,000 and $932,000 in 2017, 2016, and 2015, 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, 2017 are as follows: $1,000,000 in 2018; $1,015,000 in 2019; $1,014,000 in 2020; $692,000 in 2021, $429,000 in 2022 and $1,155,000 thereafter.

Stock incentive plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Stock incentive plans [Abstract]

Stock incentive plans

10. 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. 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 (which may include performance-based vesting), (v) stock appreciation rights or (vi) limited stock appreciation rights. Awards granted under these plans have exercise prices equal to 100% of the fair market value of the common stock at the date of grant. Awards granted have a ten-year term and generally vest over a two- 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 1,400,000 shares of TransAct common stock. At December 31, 2017, 665,991 shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan.

Under the assumptions indicated below, the weighted-average per share fair value of stock option grants for 2017, 2016, and 2015 was $1.95, $1.70 and $6.73, respectively. In 2017 and 2016, we also issued restricted share units for certain executives and directors that vest over a specified period of time, and in some instances require achieving certain performance metrics. The weighted-average per share fair value of these restricted share units was $7.53 and $7.31 in 2017 and 2016, respectively. No restricted share units were issued in 2015.

The table below indicates the key assumptions used in the option valuation calculations for options granted in 2017, 2016, and 2015 and a discussion of our methodology for developing each of the assumptions used in the valuation model:

	Year ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Expected option term (in years)		6.8			6.9			6.8
Expected volatility		36.2	%		38.8	%		50.4	%
Risk-free interest rate		2.1	%		1.2	%		1.6	%
Dividend yield		4.3	%		4.5	%		4.7	%

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 2017, 2016, and 2015, we recorded $609,000, $611,000, and $488,000 of share-based compensation expense, respectively, included primarily in general and administrative expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income. We also recorded income tax benefits of $134,000, $184,000, and $148,000 in 2017, 2016, and 2015 respectively, related to such share-based compensation. At December 31, 2017, 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:

	Stock Options					Restricted Share Units
	Number of Shares			Average Price*		Number of Units			Average Price**
Outstanding at December 31, 2016		1,073,900		$	7.83		57,400		$	7.94
Granted		169,500			8.30		65,600			8.30
Exercised		(182,811	)		6.42		(8,300	)		7.44
Forfeited		(80,763	)		7.50		(13,425	)		7.98
Expired		(60,187	)		9.32		-			-
Outstanding at December 31, 2017		919,639		$	8.13		101,275		$	8.21

* weighted-average exercise price per share
** weighted-average grant stock price per share

The following summarizes information about equity awards outstanding that are vested and expect to vest and equity awards that are exercisable at December 31, 2017:

	Equity Awards Vested and Expected to Vest								Equity Awards That Are Exercisable
	Awards		Average Price*		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Remaining Term**		Awards		Average Price*		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Remaining Term**
Stock Options		919,639	$	8.13	$	4,709,000		6.4		483,224	$	8.29	$	2,396,000		4.8
Restricted stock units		95,135		-		1,261,000		2.0		-		-		-		-

* weighted-average exercise price per share
** weighted-average contractual remaining term in years

Shares that are issued upon exercise of employee stock awards are newly issued shares and not issued from treasury stock. As of December 31, 2017, unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested equity awards granted under our stock incentive plans is approximately $899,000, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.6 years.

The total fair value of awards vested during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 was $1,104,000, $961,000, and $944,000, respectively. The total intrinsic value (which is the amount by which the stock price exceeded the exercise price on the date of exercise) of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 was $958,000, $6,000 and $32,000, respectively. Cash received from option exercises was $1,043,000, $23,000 and $263,000 for 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. We recorded a realized tax benefit in 2017, 2016, and 2015 from equity-based awards of $150,000, $1,000 and $4,000, respectively, related to options exercised. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-09 in 2017 tax benefits realized on stock options exercises are included in income tax expense and are no longer included as a component of cash flows. See Footnote 16 Accounting Pronouncements for further details regarding the adoption of ASU 2016-09.

Restricted stock:

We paid a portion of the 2015 and 2014 incentive bonus for the chief executive officer and chief financial officer in the form of 28,231 and 23,578 deferred stock units, respectively, with a corresponding credit recorded to Additional Paid in Capital (net of share relinquishments) in the amounts of $151,000 and $121,000 in 2016, and 2015, respectively. Such deferred stock units were granted in February 2016 and February 2015, 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 $6.98. Starting with the 2016 incentive bonus program, all incentive bonus payments are made in cash with no portion of the award paid in deferred stock units.

Income taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Income taxes [Abstract]

Income taxes

11. Income taxes

The components of the income tax provision are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Current:
Federal	$	2,379		$	1,776		$	450
State		114			70			22
Foreign		(49	)		2			-
		2,444			1,848			472
Deferred:
Federal		1,097			(257	)		843
State		20			(38	)		35
Foreign		-			-			-
		1,117			(295	)		878
Income tax provision	$	3,561		$	1,553		$	1,350

On December 22, 2017, the United States enacted significant changes to U.S. tax law following the passage and signing of the Tax Reform Act. The legislation significantly changes U.S. tax law by, among other things, lowering corporate income tax rates, implementing a territorial tax system and imposing a one-time repatriation tax on undistributed foreign earnings. The Tax Reform Act permanently reduces the U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% rate, effective January 1, 2018. Income tax effects resulting from changes in tax laws are accounted for by the Company in accordance with authoritative guidance, which requires that these tax effects be recognized in the period in which the law is enacted.

On December 22, 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118") to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations where a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Reform Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period, not to exceed one year from the enactment of the Tax Reform Act. In accordance with SAB 118, the Company is required to reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax Reform Act for which the accounting is complete. To the extent there are areas that are incomplete, but are capable of reasonable estimates, a provisional amount is required to be recorded by the Company. If a reasonable estimate is unable to be calculated, the Company is required to disclose why. The Company has recognized provisional tax impacts related to the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities and included these amounts in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. The ultimate impact may differ from these provisional amounts, possibly materially, due to, among other things, additional analysis, changes in interpretations and assumptions, additional regulatory guidance from Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service and State Governments, and actions the Company may take as a result of the Tax Reform Act.

The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. As a result of the reduction of TransAct's U.S. corporate income tax rate from 34% to 21% under the Tax Reform Act, the Company revalued its ending net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2017 and recognized a provisional $1,315,000 charge to income tax expense in the Company's consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2017.

The Tax Reform Act also provided for a one-time deemed mandatory repatriation of post-1986 undistributed foreign subsidiary earnings and profits ("E&P") through the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company has no undistributed foreign E&P subject to the one-time mandatory repatriation and therefore has not recognized any income tax expense related to undistributed foreign subsidiary E&P for the year ended December 31, 2017.

While the Tax Reform Act provides for a territorial tax system, beginning in 2018, it includes two new U.S. tax base erosion provisions, the global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") provisions and the base-erosion and anti-abuse tax ("BEAT") provisions. The GILTI provisions require the Company to include in its U.S. income tax return foreign subsidiary earnings in excess of an allowable return on the foreign subsidiary's tangible assets. The BEAT provisions in the Tax Reform Act eliminate the deduction of certain base-erosion payments made to related foreign corporations, and impose a minimum tax if greater than regular tax. The Company does not expect it will be subject to these taxes and therefore has not included any tax impacts of GILTI or BEAT in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. Starting January 1, 2018, the Company will account for GILIT and BEAT in the period in which it is incurred to the extent these expectations change.

Our effective tax rates were 52.6%, 30.0%, and 30.4% for 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The effective tax rate in 2017 was unusually high due to the impact of the Tax Reform Act. As explained above we recognized a provisional $1,315,000 charge to income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 as a result of revaluing our net deferred tax assets using the new U.S. corporate tax rate of 21%.

At December 31, 2017, we have no federal or state net operating loss carryforwards and no R&D credit carryforwards or state tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2017. Foreign loss before taxes was $563,000, $235,000, and $174,000 in 2017, 2016, and 2015, 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)	2017			2016
Deferred tax assets:
Foreign net operating losses	$	328		$	423
Depreciation		107			88
Inventory reserves		845			1,264
Deferred revenue		16			31
Warranty reserve		59			93
Stock compensation expense		694			1,273
Other accrued compensation		363			387
Other liabilities and reserves		246			329
Gross deferred tax assets		2,658			3,888
Valuation allowance		(328	)		(423	)
Net deferred tax assets		2,330			3,465

Deferred tax liabilities:
Other		22			33
Net deferred tax liabilities		22			33
Total net deferred tax assets	$	2,308		$	3,432

As of December 31, 2017 a valuation allowance of $328,000 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)	2017			2016		2015
Balance, beginning of period	$	423		$	340	$	282
Additions charged to income tax provision		67			83		58
Reductions credited to income tax provision		(162	)		-		-
Balance, end of period	$	328		$	423	$	340

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

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015

Federal statutory tax rate		34.0	%		34.0	%		34.0	%
U.S. corporate tax rate change		19.4			0.0			0.0
Stock option cancellations		1.7			0.0			0.0
Valuation allowance and tax accruals		1.6			1.6			1.3
State income taxes, net of federal income taxes		1.3			0.4			0.8
Uncertain tax positions		(0.1	)		(0.1	)		(0.3	)
Miscellaneous permanent items		(1.9	)		(1.2	)		(0.7	)
R&D credit		(3.3	)		(4.6	)		(4.9	)
Other		(0.1	)		(0.1	)		0.2
Effective tax rate		52.6	%		30.0	%		30.4	%

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had $104,000 and $111,000 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:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2017			2016
Unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1	$	111		$	114
Tax positions taken during the current period		24			27
Lapse of statute of limitations		(31	)		(30	)
Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31	$	104		$	111

We expect $28,000 of the $104,000 of unrecognized tax benefits will reverse in 2018 upon the expiration of the statute of limitations.

We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in the income tax provision. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we have $17,000 and $18,000, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.

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 2013. However, our federal tax returns for the years 2014 through 2016 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.

12. Earnings per share

Earnings per share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Earnings per share [Abstract]

Earnings per share

For 2017, 2016, and 2015, earnings per share was computed as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Net income	$	3,211	$	3,617	$	3,092

Shares:
Basic: Weighted average common shares outstanding		7,423		7,610		7,818
Add: Dilutive effect of outstanding options as determined by the treasury stock method		169		45		36
Diluted: Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding		7,592		7,655		7,854

Net income per common share:
Basic	$	0.43	$	0.48	$	0.40
Diluted		0.42		0.47		0.39

The computation of diluted earnings per share excludes the effect of the potential exercise of stock awards, including stock options, restricted stock units and performance stock awards, when the average market price of the common stock is lower than the exercise price of the related stock award during the period. These outstanding stock awards are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive. Anti-dilutive stock awards excluded from the computation of earnings per dilutive share were 341,000, and 831,000, at December 31, 2017 and 2016 respectively.

Stock repurchase program	12 Months Ended
Stock repurchase program	Dec. 31, 2017
Stock repurchase program [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program	13. Stock repurchase program Prior to its expiration on December 31, 2017, we maintained a stock repurchase program (the "Stock Repurchase Program") whereby we were authorized to repurchase up to $5,000,000 of our outstanding shares of common stock from time to time in the open market at prevailing market prices based on market conditions, share price and other factors. We use the cost method to account for treasury stock purchases, under which the price paid for the stock is charged to the treasury stock account. Repurchases of our common stock are accounted for as of the settlement date. From January 1, 2017 through the expiration date of the Stock Repurchase Program, we purchased 36,465 shares of our common stock for $358,000 at an average price of $9.84 per share. From the start of the Stock Repurchase Program on February 25, 2016 through December 31, 2017, we purchased 499,843 shares of our common stock for $3,929,000 at an average price of $7.86 per share. In 2015, under a prior repurchase program, we purchased 166,553 shares of our common stock for $1,020,000 at an average price of $6.12 per share. From January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2017, we repurchased a total of 3,888,432 shares of common stock for $30,110,000, at an average price of $7.74 per share.

Geographic area information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Geographic area information [Abstract]

Geographic area information

14. 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)	2017		2016		2015
Net sales:
United States	$	48,720	$	45,542	$	45,730
International		7,591		11,693		13,946
Total	$	56,311	$	57,235	$	59,676

Fixed assets, net:
United States	$	1,548	$	1,581	$	1,769
International		621		660		738
Total	$	2,169	$	2,241	$	2,507

Sales to international customers were 14%, 20%, and 23% of total sales in 2017, 2016, and 2015 respectively. Sales to Europe represented 44%, 56%, and 56%, sales to the Pacific Rim (which includes Australia and Asia) represented 32%, 34%, and 34%, and sales to Canada represented 18%, 8%, and 8% of total international sales in 2017, 2016, and 2015 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.

Quarterly results of operations (unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Quarterly results of operations (unaudited) [Abstract]

Quarterly results of operations (unaudited)

15. Quarterly results of operations (unaudited)

Our quarterly results of operations for 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

	Quarter Ended
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
2017:
Net sales	$	13,997	$	13,596	$	15,524	$	13,194
Gross profit		6,093		6,430		7,519		6,620
Net income (loss)		943		867		1,813		(412	)
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic		0.13		0.12		0.24		(0.06	)
Diluted		0.13		0.12		0.24		(0.06	)

2016:
Net sales	$	14,357	$	14,801	$	14,474	$	13,603
Gross profit		5,885		5,983		5,915		6,016
Net income		625		753		883		1,356
Net income per common share:
Basic		0.08		0.10		0.12		0.18
Diluted		0.08		0.10		0.12		0.18

Accounting pronouncements	12 Months Ended
Accounting pronouncements	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting pronouncements [Abstract]
Accounting pronouncements	16. Accounting pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." This ASU is intended to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue by removing inconsistencies in revenue requirements; providing a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues; improving comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets; and providing more useful information to users of financial statements through improved revenue disclosure requirements. In applying the amended guidance, an entity will (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the contract's performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective approach or modified retrospective approach to adopt the amended guidance. The amended guidance applies to all contracts with customers except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. In the first quarter of 2018, the Company will complete its adoption activities, including the integration of the standard update into our financial reporting process and systems. The Company will adopt the amended guidance using the modified retrospective transition approach, with any cumulative effect of initially adopting this standard recognized through retained earnings at the date of adoption. The provisions of this standard are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We will adopt the amended guidance on January 1, 2018, at which time it becomes effective for the Company. The new standard will change revenue practices for testing service contracts reported as part of our TSG market. Revenue will now be recognized at a point in time as our performance obligation is completed as opposed to our current practice of recognizing based on percentage-of-completion. As of Decemeber 31, 2017 we have no open testing service contracts that will require adjustment to retained earnings. While we are still finalizing our evaluation of the impact of the new revenue standard, the impact is not expected to be material. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e., lessees and lessors). The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, respectively. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. ASU 2016-02 supersedes the previous leases standard, ASC 840, Leases, and is effective for public entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does have leases for equipment and real property which exceed 12 months and we are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on our financial statements. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, "Compensation-Stock Compensation: Scope of modification accounting". ASU 2017-09 provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. ASU No. 2017-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, including during an interim period for which financial statements have not yet been made available for issuance. The amendments should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. We will adopt ASU 2017-09 in our consolidated financial statements in the first quarter of 2018 and the adoption is not expected to have an impact on our financial statements. The following accounting pronouncements were adopted during 2017: In July 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-11, "Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory." This ASU changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The provisions of this ASU became effective for years beginning after December 15, 2016. We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2017 and the adoption has not resulted in a change to the value of inventory. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Compensation-Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." This ASU is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share based payment transactions. The amended guidance requires that all tax effects related to share-based payments are recorded at settlement (or expiration) through the income statement, rather than through equity. Cash flows related to excess tax benefits will no longer be separately classified as a financing activity apart from other income tax cash flows. The amended guidance also allows for an employer to repurchase additional employee shares for tax withholding purposes without requiring liability accounting and clarifies that all cash payments made to tax authorities on an employee's behalf for withheld shares should be presented as a financing activity on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. This ASU became effective for years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. We adopted ASU 2016-09 in the first quarter of 2017. This adoption required us to reflect any adjustments as of January 1, 2017, the beginning of the annual period that includes the interim period of adoption. In 2017, there were 166,600 options exercised that required $150,000 of excess tax benefits to be recorded in the provision for income taxes. In 2016, there were 3,750 options exercised that required $1,000 of excess tax benefits to be recorded in additional paid-in-capital, as was required pursuant to the prior accounting guidance. In connection with the adoption of ASU 2016-09, in the first quarter of 2017, we made an accounting policy election to no longer estimate forfeitures expected to occur to determine the amount of compensation cost to be recognized in each period. This election required the cumulative effect of the change to be recorded to retained earnings. As of January 1, 2017, we recorded $31,000 to decrease retained earnings and increase additional paid-in capital for the difference between the amount of compensation cost previously recorded and the amount that would have been recorded without assuming forfeitures. The presentation requirements for cash flows related to excess tax benefits and employee taxes paid for withheld shares were applied retrospectively to all periods presented. This resulted in an increase in both net cash provided by operating activities and net cash used by financing activities of $23,000 for 2017. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This ASU eliminates Step 2 of the current goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation to measure goodwill impairment. A goodwill impairment loss will instead be measured at the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the recorded amount of goodwill. The provisions of this standard are effective for years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for any impairment test performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We early adopted this standard as of October 1, 2017 and this ASU did not have any impact on our financial statements or disclosures. 17. Subsequent event

Subsequent event	12 Months Ended
Subsequent event	Dec. 31, 2017
Subsequent event [Abstract]
Subsequent event	On March 1, 2018, our Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program (the "2018 Stock Repurchase Program") substantially similar to the 2016 Stock Repurchase Program disclosed in Note 13-Stock repurchase program , whereby we are authorized to repurchase up to $5,000,000 of our outstanding shares of common stock from time to time in the open market at prevailing market prices based on market conditions, share price and other factors. The 2018 Stock Repurchase Program expires on December 31, 2019, if we do not discontinue it prior to such time.

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Summary of significant accounting policies [Abstract]

Principles of consolidation

Use of estimates

Segment reporting

Cash and cash equivalents

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

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

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Balance, beginning of period	$	50	$	50	$	100
Additions charged to costs and expenses		50		-		7
Write-offs		-		-		(57	)
Balance, end of period	$	100	$	50	$	50

Inventories

Fixed assets

Leases

Goodwill and Intangible assets

Revenue recognition

Concentration of credit risk

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

	December 31,
	2017			2016
International Gaming Technology ("IGT")		48	%		34	%
Suzo-Happ		13	%		18	%

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

	Year ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
IGT		35	%		26	%		29	%
Suzo-Happ		8	%		15	%		14	%

Warranty

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

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Balance, beginning of period	$	267		$	277		$	287
Warranties issued		259			254			267
Warranty settlements		(259	)		(264	)		(277	)
Balance, end of period	$	267		$	267		$	277

Engineering, design and product development

Advertising

Income taxes

Foreign currency translation

Share-based payments

Net income and loss per share

Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Summary of significant accounting policies [Abstract]

Allowance for doubtful accounts

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

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Balance, beginning of period	$	50	$	50	$	100
Additions charged to costs and expenses		50		-		7
Write-offs		-		-		(57	)
Balance, end of period	$	100	$	50	$	50

Concentration of risk

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

	December 31,
	2017			2016
International Gaming Technology ("IGT")		48	%		34	%
Suzo-Happ		13	%		18	%

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

	Year ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
IGT		35	%		26	%		29	%
Suzo-Happ		8	%		15	%		14	%

Product warranty liability

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

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Balance, beginning of period	$	267		$	277		$	287
Warranties issued		259			254			267
Warranty settlements		(259	)		(264	)		(277	)
Balance, end of period	$	267		$	267		$	277

Inventories (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Inventories [Abstract]

Components of inventories

The components of inventories are:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2017		2016
Raw materials and purchased component parts	$	6,322	$	6,298
Work-in-process		-		8
Finished goods		2,553		3,401
	$	8,875	$	9,707

Fixed assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Fixed assets [Abstract]

Components of fixed assets

The components of fixed assets, net are:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2017			2016
Tooling, machinery and equipment	$	11,019		$	11,035
Furniture and office equipment		1,651			1,630
Computer software and equipment		6,503			6,260
Leasehold improvements		2,475			2,361
		21,648			21,286
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(19,752	)		(19,215	)
		1,896			2,071
Construction in-process		273			170
	$	2,169		$	2,241

Intangible assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Intangible assets [Abstract]

Identifiable intangible assets

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

	December 31,
	2017					2016
(In thousands)	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Purchased technology	$	1,754	$	(1,481	)	$	1,604	$	(1,433	)
Customer relationships		1,300		(1,300	)		1,300		(1,163	)
Trademark		480		(306	)		480		(257	)
Covenant not to compete		146		(146	)		146		(146	)
Patents		57		(46	)		57		(43	)
Other		80		(80	)		80		(80	)
Total	$	3,817	$	(3,359	)	$	3,667	$	(3,122	)

Accrued liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accrued liabilities [Abstract]

Components of accrued liabilities

The components of accrued liabilities are:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2017		2016
Salaries and compensation related	$	2,288	$	1,722
Warranty		186		169
Professional and consulting		209		153
Other		656		350
	$	3,339	$	2,394

Stock incentive plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Stock incentive plans [Abstract]

Assumptions used in option valuation calculations

	Year ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Expected option term (in years)		6.8			6.9			6.8
Expected volatility		36.2	%		38.8	%		50.4	%
Risk-free interest rate		2.1	%		1.2	%		1.6	%
Dividend yield		4.3	%		4.5	%		4.7	%

Stock option activity

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

	Stock Options					Restricted Share Units
	Number of Shares			Average Price*		Number of Units			Average Price**
Outstanding at December 31, 2016		1,073,900		$	7.83		57,400		$	7.94
Granted		169,500			8.30		65,600			8.30
Exercised		(182,811	)		6.42		(8,300	)		7.44
Forfeited		(80,763	)		7.50		(13,425	)		7.98
Expired		(60,187	)		9.32		-			-
Outstanding at December 31, 2017		919,639		$	8.13		101,275		$	8.21

* weighted-average exercise price per share
** weighted-average grant stock price per share

Equity awards vested and expected to vest

The following summarizes information about equity awards outstanding that are vested and expect to vest and equity awards that are exercisable at December 31, 2017:

	Equity Awards Vested and Expected to Vest								Equity Awards That Are Exercisable
	Awards		Average Price*		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Remaining Term**		Awards		Average Price*		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Remaining Term**
Stock Options		919,639	$	8.13	$	4,709,000		6.4		483,224	$	8.29	$	2,396,000		4.8
Restricted stock units		95,135		-		1,261,000		2.0		-		-		-		-

* weighted-average exercise price per share
** weighted-average contractual remaining term in years

Income taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Income taxes [Abstract]

Components of income tax provision

The components of the income tax provision are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Current:
Federal	$	2,379		$	1,776		$	450
State		114			70			22
Foreign		(49	)		2			-
		2,444			1,848			472
Deferred:
Federal		1,097			(257	)		843
State		20			(38	)		35
Foreign		-			-			-
		1,117			(295	)		878
Income tax provision	$	3,561		$	1,553		$	1,350

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2017			2016
Deferred tax assets:
Foreign net operating losses	$	328		$	423
Depreciation		107			88
Inventory reserves		845			1,264
Deferred revenue		16			31
Warranty reserve		59			93
Stock compensation expense		694			1,273
Other accrued compensation		363			387
Other liabilities and reserves		246			329
Gross deferred tax assets		2,658			3,888
Valuation allowance		(328	)		(423	)
Net deferred tax assets		2,330			3,465

Deferred tax liabilities:
Other		22			33
Net deferred tax liabilities		22			33
Total net deferred tax assets	$	2,308		$	3,432

Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2017			2016		2015
Balance, beginning of period	$	423		$	340	$	282
Additions charged to income tax provision		67			83		58
Reductions credited to income tax provision		(162	)		-		-
Balance, end of period	$	328		$	423	$	340

Effective tax rate reconciliation

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

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015

Federal statutory tax rate		34.0	%		34.0	%		34.0	%
U.S. corporate tax rate change		19.4			0.0			0.0
Stock option cancellations		1.7			0.0			0.0
Valuation allowance and tax accruals		1.6			1.6			1.3
State income taxes, net of federal income taxes		1.3			0.4			0.8
Uncertain tax positions		(0.1	)		(0.1	)		(0.3	)
Miscellaneous permanent items		(1.9	)		(1.2	)		(0.7	)
R&D credit		(3.3	)		(4.6	)		(4.9	)
Other		(0.1	)		(0.1	)		0.2
Effective tax rate		52.6	%		30.0	%		30.4	%

Unrecognized tax benefits

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2017			2016
Unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1	$	111		$	114
Tax positions taken during the current period		24			27
Lapse of statute of limitations		(31	)		(30	)
Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31	$	104		$	111

Earnings per share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Earnings per share [Abstract]

Earnings per share

For 2017, 2016, and 2015, earnings per share was computed as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Net income	$	3,211	$	3,617	$	3,092

Shares:
Basic: Weighted average common shares outstanding		7,423		7,610		7,818
Add: Dilutive effect of outstanding options as determined by the treasury stock method		169		45		36
Diluted: Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding		7,592		7,655		7,854

Net income per common share:
Basic	$	0.43	$	0.48	$	0.40
Diluted		0.42		0.47		0.39

Geographic area information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Geographic area information [Abstract]

Net sales and fixed assets by geographic area

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)	2017		2016		2015
Net sales:
United States	$	48,720	$	45,542	$	45,730
International		7,591		11,693		13,946
Total	$	56,311	$	57,235	$	59,676

Fixed assets, net:
United States	$	1,548	$	1,581	$	1,769
International		621		660		738
Total	$	2,169	$	2,241	$	2,507

Quarterly results of operations (unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Quarterly results of operations (unaudited) [Abstract]

Quarterly results of operations

Our quarterly results of operations for 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

	Quarter Ended
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
2017:
Net sales	$	13,997	$	13,596	$	15,524	$	13,194
Gross profit		6,093		6,430		7,519		6,620
Net income (loss)		943		867		1,813		(412	)
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic		0.13		0.12		0.24		(0.06	)
Diluted		0.13		0.12		0.24		(0.06	)

2016:
Net sales	$	14,357	$	14,801	$	14,474	$	13,603
Gross profit		5,885		5,983		5,915		6,016
Net income		625		753		883		1,356
Net income per common share:
Basic		0.08		0.10		0.12		0.18
Diluted		0.08		0.10		0.12		0.18

Description of business (Details)	12 Months Ended
Description of business (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017 Segment
Description of business [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	1

Summary of significant accounting policies, Segment reporting (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 Segment
Segment reporting [Abstract]
Number of business segments	1

Summary of significant accounting policies, Allowance for doubtful accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 50	$ 50	$ 100
Additions charged to costs and expenses	50	0	7
Write-offs	0	0	(57)
Balance, end of period	$ 100	$ 50	$ 50

Summary of significant accounting policies, Fixed assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fixed assets [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 844	$ 987	$ 972
Tooling [Member]
Fixed assets [Abstract]
Estimated useful life	5 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Fixed assets [Abstract]
Estimated useful life	10 years
Furniture and Office Equipment [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Fixed assets [Abstract]
Estimated useful life	5 years
Furniture and Office Equipment [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Fixed assets [Abstract]
Estimated useful life	10 years
Computer Software and Equipment [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Fixed assets [Abstract]
Estimated useful life	3 years
Computer Software and Equipment [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Fixed assets [Abstract]
Estimated useful life	7 years

Summary of significant accounting policies, Concentration of credit risk (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts Receivable [Member] \| IGT [Member]
Concentration of credit risk [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage	48.00%	34.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member] \| Suzo-Happ [Member]
Concentration of credit risk [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage	13.00%	18.00%
Sales [Member] \| IGT [Member]
Concentration of credit risk [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage	35.00%	26.00%	29.00%
Sales [Member] \| Suzo-Happ [Member]
Concentration of credit risk [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage	8.00%	15.00%	14.00%

Summary of significant accounting policies, Warranty (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accrued product warranty liability [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 267	$ 277	$ 287
Warranties issued	259	254	267
Warranty settlements	(259)	(264)	(277)
Balance, end of period	267	267	$ 277
Accrued product warranty liability, current	186	169
Accrued product warranty liability, long-term	$ 81	$ 98
Maximum [Member]
Warranty [Abstract]
Product warranty period	36 months

Summary of significant accounting policies, Engineering, design and product development (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Engineering, design and product development [Abstract]
Research and development expense	$ 4,303	$ 4,425	$ 3,599
Unamortized development costs of software	0	2
Capitalized computer software, amortization	$ 2	$ 29	$ 138

Summary of significant accounting policies, Advertising (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Advertising [Abstract]
Advertising expense	$ 974	$ 703	$ 858

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials and purchased component parts	$ 6,322	$ 6,298
Work-in-process	0	8
Finished goods	2,553	3,401
Inventories	$ 8,875	$ 9,707

Fixed assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fixed assets [Abstract]
Fixed assets	$ 21,648	$ 21,286
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(19,752)	(19,215)
Fixed assets, net	2,169	2,241	$ 2,507
Tooling, Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Fixed assets [Abstract]
Fixed assets	11,019	11,035
Furniture and Office Equipment [Member]
Fixed assets [Abstract]
Fixed assets	1,651	1,630
Computer Software and Equipment [Member]
Fixed assets [Abstract]
Fixed assets	6,503	6,260
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Fixed assets [Abstract]
Fixed assets	2,475	2,361
Fixed Assets, Excluding Construction in-Process [Member]
Fixed assets [Abstract]
Fixed assets, net	1,896	2,071
Construction in-Process [Member]
Fixed assets [Abstract]
Fixed assets	$ 273	$ 170

Intangible assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Intangible assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross amount	$ 3,817	$ 3,667
Accumulated amortization	(3,359)	(3,122)
Amortization expense	237	343	$ 454
Future amortization expense [Abstract]
2016	128
2017	127
2018	112
2019	61
2020	30
Purchased Technology [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross amount	1,754	1,604
Accumulated amortization	(1,481)	(1,433)
Customer Relationships [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross amount	1,300	1,300
Accumulated amortization	(1,300)	(1,163)
Trademarks [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross amount	480	480
Accumulated amortization	(306)	(257)
Covenant Not to Compete [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross amount	146	146
Accumulated amortization	(146)	(146)
Patents [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross amount	57	57
Accumulated amortization	(46)	(43)
Other [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets [Abstract]
Gross amount	80	80
Accumulated amortization	$ (80)	$ (80)

Accrued liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accrued liabilities [Abstract]
Salaries and compensation related	$ 2,288	$ 1,722
Warranty	186	169
Professional and consulting	209	153
Other	656	350
Accrued liabilities	$ 3,339	$ 2,394

Retirement savings plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Retirement savings plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Retirement savings plan [Abstract]
Employer matching contribution percentage	50.00%
Employee's contribution percentage for match	6.00%
Amount of matching contribution	$ 264	$ 295	$ 197

Borrowings (Details) - TD Bank [Member] - Revolving Credit Facility [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Nov. 22, 2017	Nov. 26, 2014
Credit Facility [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 20,000
Maturity date	Nov. 28, 2022
Percentage fee on unused borrowings	0.125%
Loans used to fund future cash dividend payments or treasury share buybacks		$ 12,500	$ 10,000
Undrawn commitments	$ 20,000
Prime Rate [Member]
Credit Facility [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%

Commitments and contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 08, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Litigation settlement [Abstract]
Revolving credit line borrowings				$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,500
Settlement expenses associated with lawsuit				0	0	1,738
Equipment and Real Property [Member]
Rent expense under operating leases [Abstract]
Rent expense under operating leases				1,142	$ 1,046	$ 932
Future minimum rental payments under operating leases [Abstract]
2016				1,000
2017				1,015
2018				1,014
2019				692
2020				429
Thereafter				$ 1,155
Civil Complaint filed by Avery Dennison Corporation [Member] \| Settled Litigation [Member]
Litigation settlement [Abstract]
Payment for litigation settlement	$ 3,600
Settlement expenses associated with lawsuit		$ (25)	$ 3,625

Stock incentive plans, Stock incentive plans (Details)	12 Months Ended
Stock incentive plans, Stock incentive plans (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017 Incentive $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2016 $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015 $ / shares
Stock incentive plans [Abstract]
Number of primary stock incentive plans \| Incentive	2
Stock Options [Member]
Stock incentive plans [Abstract]
Exercise prices of options granted equals percentage of fair market value of common stock	100.00%
Term of award	10 years
Weighted average fair value of stock option grants (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 1.95	$ 1.70	$ 6.73
Assumptions used in valuation model [Abstract]
Expected option term	6 years 9 months 18 days	6 years 10 months 24 days	6 years 9 months 18 days
Expected volatility	36.20%	38.80%	50.40%
Risk-free interest rate	2.10%	1.20%	1.60%
Dividend yield	4.30%	4.50%	4.70%
Stock Options [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Stock incentive plans [Abstract]
Vesting period	2 years
Stock Options [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Stock incentive plans [Abstract]
Vesting period	5 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Stock incentive plans [Abstract]
Weighted average fair value of stock option grants (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 7.53	$ 7.31
2014 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Stock incentive plans [Abstract]
Number of shares authorized (in shares) \| shares	1,400,000
Number of shares available for grant (in shares) \| shares	665,991

Stock incentive plans, Share-based compensation expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based compensation [Abstract]
Income tax benefit from share-based compensation expense	$ 134	$ 184	$ 148
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Share-based compensation [Abstract]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 609	$ 611	$ 488

Stock incentive plans, Stock options (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Number of shares [Roll Forward]
Options vested or expected to vest (in shares)	95,135
Weighted average remaining contractual term [Abstract]
Options vested or expected to vest	2 years
Aggregate intrinsic value [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options	$ 899,000
Weighted average period to recognize compensation cost not yet recognized	2 years 7 months 6 days
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 958,000	$ 6,000	$ 32,000
Fair value of all awards vested	1,104,000	961,000	944,000
Cash received from exercise of stock options	1,043,000	23,000	263,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock Options	$ 150,000	$ 1,000	$ 4,000
Stock Options [Member]
Number of shares [Roll Forward]
Options exercisable, end of period (in shares)	483,224
Options vested or expected to vest (in shares)	919,639
2005 Equity Incentive Plan and 2014 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Number of shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	57,400
Granted (in shares)	65,600
Exercised (in shares)	(8,300)
Forfeited (in shares)	(13,425)
Expired (in shares)	0
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	101,275	57,400
Weighted average exercise price [Abstract]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 7.94
Granted (in dollars per share)	8.30
Exercised (in dollars per share)	7.44
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	7.98
Expired (in dollars per share)	0
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 8.21	$ 7.94
Options vested or expected to vest (in dollars per share)		$ 0
Aggregate intrinsic value [Abstract]
Options vested or expected to vest	$ 1,261,000
2005 Equity Incentive Plan and 2014 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] \| Stock Options [Member]
Number of shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	1,073,900
Granted (in shares)	169,500
Exercised (in shares)	(182,811)
Forfeited (in shares)	(80,763)
Expired (in shares)	(60,187)
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	919,639	1,073,900
Weighted average exercise price [Abstract]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 7.83
Granted (in dollars per share)	8.30
Exercised (in dollars per share)	6.42
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	7.50
Expired (in dollars per share)	9.32
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	8.13	$ 7.83
Options exercisable, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 8.29
Options vested or expected to vest (in dollars per share)		$ 8.13
Weighted average remaining contractual term [Abstract]
Options exercisable, end of period		4 years 9 months 18 days
Options vested or expected to vest		6 years 4 months 24 days
Aggregate intrinsic value [Abstract]
Options exercisable, end of period	$ 2,396,000
Options vested or expected to vest	$ 4,709,000

Stock incentive plans, Restricted stock (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member] - CEO and CFO [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restricted stock [Abstract]
Deferred stock units issued for incentive bonus (in shares)	28,231	23,578
Deferred compensation expense				$ 151	$ 121
Term of award			3 years
Weighted average exercise price of deferred stock units (in dollars per share)			$ 6.98

Income taxes, Components of income tax provision (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current [Abstract]
Federal	$ 2,379	$ 1,776	$ 450
State	114	70	22
Foreign	(49)	2	0
Income taxes current	2,444	1,848	472
Deferred [Abstract]
Federal	1,097	(257)	843
State	20	(38)	35
Foreign	0	0	0
Income taxes deferred	1,117	(295)	878
Income tax (benefit) provision	3,561	1,553	1,350
Income taxes [Abstract]
Foreign loss before taxes	563	$ 235	$ (174)
Federal [Member]
Income taxes [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforward	0
State [Member]
Income taxes [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforward	0
Tax credit carryforward	0
R&D Credit [Member]
Income taxes [Abstract]
Tax credit carryforward	$ 0

Income taxes, Deferred tax assets and liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets [Abstract]
Foreign net operating losses	$ 328	$ 423
Depreciation	107	88
Inventory reserves	845	1,264
Deferred revenue	16	31
Warranty reserve	59	93
Stock compensation expense	694	1,273
Other accrued compensation	363	387
Other liabilities and reserves	246	329
Gross deferred tax assets	2,658	3,888
Valuation allowance	(328)	(423)
Net deferred tax assets	2,330	3,465
Deferred tax liabilities [Abstract]
Other	22	33
Net deferred tax liabilities	22	33
Total net deferred tax assets	$ 2,308	$ 3,432

Income taxes, Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets (Details) - Foreign Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Valuation allowance [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 423	$ 340	$ 282
Additions charged to income tax provision	67	83	58
Reductions credited to income tax provision	(162)	0	0
Balance, end of period	$ 328	$ 423	$ 340

Income taxes, Effective tax rate reconciliation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Effective tax rate reconciliation [Abstract]
Federal statutory tax rate	34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
U.S. corporate tax rate change	19.40%	0.00%	0.00%
Stock option cancellations	1.70%	0.00%	0.00%
Valuation allowance and tax accruals	1.60%	1.60%	1.30%
State income taxes, net of federal income taxes	1.30%	0.40%	0.80%
Uncertain tax positions	(0.10%)	(0.10%)	(0.30%)
Miscellaneous permanent items	(1.90%)	(1.20%)	(0.70%)
R&D credit	(3.30%)	(4.60%)	(4.90%)
Other	(0.10%)	(0.10%)	0.20%
Effective tax rate	52.60%	30.00%	30.40%

Income taxes, Unrecognized tax benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Unrecognized tax benefits [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period	$ 111	$ 114
Tax positions taken during the current period	24	27
Lapse of statute of limitations	(31)	(30)
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period	104	111
Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	$ 17	$ 18

Earnings per share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings per share [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (412)	$ 1,813	$ 867	$ 943	$ 1,356	$ 883	$ 753	$ 625	$ 3,211	$ 3,617	$ 3,092
Shares [Abstract]
Basic: Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)									7,423	7,610	7,818
Add: Dilutive effect of outstanding options as determined by the treasury stock method (in shares)									169	45	36
Diluted: Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares)									7,592	7,655	7,854
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.06)	$ 0.24	$ 0.12	$ 0.13	$ 0.18	$ 0.12	$ 0.10	$ 0.08	$ 0.43	$ 0.48	$ 0.40
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.06)	$ 0.24	$ 0.12	$ 0.13	$ 0.18	$ 0.12	$ 0.10	$ 0.08	$ 0.42	$ 0.47	$ 0.39
Earnings per share [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per dilutive share (in shares)									341		831

Stock repurchase program (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	7 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	22 Months Ended	156 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 25, 2016
Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Stock repurchase program [Abstract]
Common stock repurchased (in shares)	166,553	36,465	499,843	3,888,432
Value of common stock repurchased	$ 1,020	$ 358	$ 3,929	$ 30,110
Average purchase price of common stock repurchased (in dollars per share)	$ 6.12	$ 9.84	$ 7.86	$ 7.74
New Stock Repurchase Program [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Stock repurchase program [Abstract]
Authorized value of common stock to be repurchased					$ 5,000

Geographic area information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net sales [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 13,194	$ 15,524	$ 13,596	$ 13,997	$ 13,603	$ 14,474	$ 14,801	$ 14,357	$ 56,311	$ 57,235	$ 59,676
Fixed assets, net [Abstract]
Fixed assets, net	2,169				2,241				$ 2,169	$ 2,241	$ 2,507
International [Member]
Fixed assets, net [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage									14.00%	20.00%	23.00%
Europe [Member]
Fixed assets, net [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage									44.00%	56.00%	56.00%
Pacific Rim [Member]
Fixed assets, net [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage									32.00%	34.00%	34.00%
Canada [Member]
Fixed assets, net [Abstract]
Concentration risk percentage									18.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] \| United States [Member]
Net sales [Abstract]
Net sales									$ 48,720	$ 45,542	$ 45,730
Fixed assets, net [Abstract]
Fixed assets, net	1,548				1,581				1,548	1,581	1,769
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] \| International [Member]
Net sales [Abstract]
Net sales									7,591	11,693	13,946
Fixed assets, net [Abstract]
Fixed assets, net	$ 621				$ 660				$ 621	$ 660	$ 738

Quarterly results of operations (unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly results of operations (unaudited) [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 13,194	$ 15,524	$ 13,596	$ 13,997	$ 13,603	$ 14,474	$ 14,801	$ 14,357	$ 56,311	$ 57,235	$ 59,676
Gross profit	6,620	7,519	6,430	6,093	6,016	5,915	5,983	5,885	26,662	23,799	24,978
Net income (loss)	$ (412)	$ 1,813	$ 867	$ 943	$ 1,356	$ 883	$ 753	$ 625	$ 3,211	$ 3,617	$ 3,092
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.06)	$ 0.24	$ 0.12	$ 0.13	$ 0.18	$ 0.12	$ 0.10	$ 0.08	$ 0.43	$ 0.48	$ 0.40
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.06)	$ 0.24	$ 0.12	$ 0.13	$ 0.18	$ 0.12	$ 0.10	$ 0.08	$ 0.42	$ 0.47	$ 0.39

Subsequent event (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 01, 2018 USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Authorized value of common stock to be repurchased	$ 5,000