Orbital Infrastructure (OIGBQ) 10-K 18 Mar 19 2018 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 18, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	CUI Global, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001108967
Trading Symbol	cui
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		28,581,953
Entity Public Float			$ 73,354,786
Entity Shell Company	false
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,979,000	$ 12,646,000
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of $167 and $135, respectively	14,416,000	10,833,000
Inventories, net of allowance of $2,495 and $946, respectively	13,042,000	13,892,000
Contract assets	1,744,000	2,299,000
Note receivable, current portion	318,000	13,000
Prepaid expenses and other	1,982,000	1,593,000
Total current assets	35,481,000	41,276,000
Property and equipment, less accumulated depreciation of $4,234 and $4,155, respectively	5,973,000	11,242,000
Goodwill	13,089,000	17,641,000
Other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $13,190 and $11,900, respectively	13,861,000	15,568,000
Restricted cash	523,000
Note receivable, less current portion		317,000
Convertible notes receivable	655,000
Deposits and other assets	585,000	1,865,000
Total assets	70,167,000	87,909,000
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	6,480,000	5,110,000
Short-term overdraft facility	1,344,000
Line of credit	979,000
Mortgage note payable, current portion		94,000
Accrued expenses	4,851,000	4,186,000
Current contract liabilities	2,226,000	8,829,000
Refund liabilities	2,417,000	695,000
Deferred gain on leaseback, current portion	289,000
Total current liabilities	18,586,000	18,914,000
Long term note payable, related party	5,304,000	5,304,000
Long term mortgage note payable, less current portion		3,256,000
Derivative liability		356,000
Deferred tax liabilities	1,922,000	2,414,000
Deferred gain on leaseback, less current portion	2,599,000
Other long-term liabilities	218,000	179,000
Total liabilities	28,629,000	30,423,000
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.001; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued at December 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017
Common stock, par value $0.001; 325,000,000 shares authorized; 28,552,886 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018 and 28,406,856 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017	29,000	28,000
Additional paid-in capital	169,898,000	169,527,000
Accumulated deficit	(123,993,000)	(108,559,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(4,396,000)	(3,510,000)
Total stockholders' equity	41,538,000	59,377,000
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 70,167,000	87,909,000
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Current Assets:
Inventories, net of allowance of $2,495 and $946, respectively		(1,064,000)
Contract assets		(516,000)
Total current assets		(1,580,000)
Total assets		(1,580,000)
Current Liabilities:
Current contract liabilities		(4,168,000)
Refund liabilities		870,000
Total current liabilities		(3,298,000)
Deferred tax liabilities		(173,000)
Total liabilities		(3,471,000)
Stockholders' Equity:
Accumulated deficit		1,891,000
Total stockholders' equity		1,891,000
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		(1,580,000)
Previously Reported [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Stockholders' Equity:
Total stockholders' equity		$ 57,486,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Trade accounts receivable, allowance	$ 167	$ 135
Inventory allowance	2,495	946
Accumulated depreciation	4,234	4,155
Accumulated amortization	$ 13,190	$ 11,900
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	325,000,000	325,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	28,552,886	28,406,856
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	28,552,886	28,406,856

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Total revenues	$ 96,789,000	$ 83,275,000	$ 86,461,000
Cost of revenues	67,879,000	55,406,000	54,200,000
Gross profit	28,910,000	27,869,000	32,261,000
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	36,341,000	33,921,000	34,239,000
Depreciation and amortization	2,152,000	2,163,000	2,366,000
Research and development	2,802,000	2,525,000	2,016,000
Provision (credit) for bad debt	33,000	(13,000)	93,000
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets	4,347,000	3,155,000
Other operating expenses	13,000	47,000	57,000
Total operating expenses	45,688,000	41,798,000	38,771,000
Loss from operations	(16,778,000)	(13,929,000)	(6,510,000)
Other (expense) income	(251,000)	234,000	(251,000)
Interest expense	(502,000)	(500,000)	(467,000)
Loss before taxes	(17,531,000)	(14,195,000)	(7,228,000)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(206,000)	(1,606,000)	38,000
Net loss	$ (17,325,000)	$ (12,589,000)	$ (7,266,000)
Basic and diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding (in shares)	28,517,339	22,397,865	20,897,812
Basic and diluted loss per common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.61)	$ (0.56)	$ (0.35)

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net loss	$ (17,325)	$ (12,589)	$ (7,266)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(886)	2,080	(4,150)
Comprehensive loss	$ (18,211)	$ (10,509)	$ (11,416)

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Previously Reported [Member]Common Stock [Member]	Previously Reported [Member]Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Previously Reported [Member]Retained Earnings [Member]	Previously Reported [Member]AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Previously Reported [Member]	Restatement Adjustment [Member]Common Stock [Member]	Restatement Adjustment [Member]Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Restatement Adjustment [Member]Retained Earnings [Member]	Restatement Adjustment [Member]AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Restatement Adjustment [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Total
Balance (in shares)												20,806,219
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015												20,806,219
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015												$ 21	$ 149,639	$ (88,704)	$ (1,440)	$ 59,516
Options granted for services and compensation													227			227
Common stock issued for exercises of options (in shares)												718
Common stock issued for exercises of options
Common stock issued for compensation, royalties, and services payments (in shares)												109,911
Common stock issued for compensation, royalties, and services payments													308			308
Net loss														(7,266)		(7,266)
Other comprehensive loss															(4,150)	(4,150)
Balance (in shares)												20,806,219
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016												20,916,848
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016												$ 21	150,174	(95,970)	(5,590)	48,635
Balance (in shares)												20,916,848
Common stock issued for exercises of options (in shares)												245
Common stock issued for exercises of options
Common stock issued for compensation, royalties, and services payments (in shares)												96,907
Common stock issued for compensation, royalties, and services payments													455			455
Net loss														(12,589)		(12,589)
Other comprehensive loss															2,080	2,080
Balance (in shares) | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]		28,406,856
Balance (in shares)												20,916,848
Issuance of common stock, net (in shares)												7,392,856
Issuance of common stock, net												$ 7	18,898			18,905
Balance (in shares) (Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]) at Dec. 31, 2017		28,406,856
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017												28,406,856
Balance (Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]) at Dec. 31, 2017		$ 28	$ 169,527	$ (108,559)	$ (3,510)	$ 57,486										1,891
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017												$ 28	169,527	(106,668)	(3,510)	59,377
Balance (in shares) | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]		28,406,856
Balance (in shares)												28,406,856
Common stock issued for compensation, royalties, and services payments (in shares)												146,030
Net loss														(17,325)		(17,325)
Other comprehensive loss															(886)	(886)
Balance (in shares) | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]		28,406,856
Balance (in shares)												28,406,856
Cumulative effect of accounting change (Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]) at Dec. 31, 2017	[1]								$ 1,891		$ 1,891
Common stock issued for compensation, services, and royalty payments												$ 1	371			372
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018												28,552,886
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018												$ 29	$ 169,898	$ (123,993)	$ (4,396)	$ 41,538
Balance (in shares)												28,552,886
[1]	Represents adjustment to accumulated deficit upon the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606.

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$ (17,325,000)	$ (12,589,000)	$ (7,266,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation	1,103,000	1,009,000	925,000
Amortization of intangibles	1,902,000	1,841,000	1,923,000
Stock issued and stock to be issued for compensation, royalties and services	229,000	425,000	734,000
Non-cash gain and unrealized gain on derivative liability	(129,000)	(111,000)	(113,000)
Non-cash royalties, net (see Note 2 - Investment and note receivable)	(7,000)	(3,000)	19,000
Provision (credit) for bad debt expense	33,000	(13,000)	93,000
Deferred income taxes	(352,000)	(1,767,000)	(107,000)
Non-cash unrealized foreign currency loss (gain)	246,000	(362,000)	172,000
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets	4,347,000	3,155,000
Inventory reserves	1,592,000	138,000	312,000
Impairment of deposits and other assets	1,509,000
Loss on disposal of assets	13,000	47,000	57,000
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Trade accounts receivable	(3,841,000)	(1,150,000)	4,432,000
Inventories	(2,235,000)	(411,000)	(1,672,000)
Contract assets	(61,000)	591,000	(1,454,000)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(392,000)	(421,000)	105,000
Deposits and other assets	(59,000)	(506,000)	(25,000)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable	1,436,000	(1,163,000)	495,000
Accrued expenses	1,116,000	(464,000)	(518,000)
Refund liabilities	852,000	130,000	(30,000)
Contingent consideration		3,000	(54,000)
Contract liabilities	(2,260,000)	2,252,000	1,371,000
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES	(12,283,000)	(9,369,000)	(601,000)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds on sale of building, net	7,720,000
Payment for restricted investment	(400,000)
Purchases of property and equipment	(1,042,000)	(893,000)	(824,000)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment		8,000	27,000
Investment in other intangible assets	(492,000)	(638,000)	(850,000)
Investment in convertible notes receivable	(655,000)
Proceeds from notes receivable	19,000	39,000
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES	5,150,000	(1,484,000)	(1,647,000)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from overdraft facility	19,532,000	9,782,000
Payments on overdraft facility	(18,122,000)	(9,782,000)
Proceeds from line of credit	19,955,000	22,332,000
Payments on line of credit	(18,976,000)	(22,332,000)
Payments on capital lease obligations	(3,000)	(29,000)	(41,000)
Payments on mortgage note payable	(3,350,000)	(89,000)	(85,000)
Payment to closeout derivative liability	(227,000)
Payments on contingent consideration	(45,000)	(61,000)	(59,000)
Proceeds from sales of common stock, net of offering costs		18,905,000
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	(1,236,000)	18,726,000	(185,000)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	225,000	156,000	(217,000)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(8,144,000)	8,029,000	(2,650,000)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year	12,646,000	4,617,000	7,267,000
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AT END OF YEAR	4,502,000	12,646,000	4,617,000
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Income taxes paid	237,000	158,000	211,000
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	520,000	500,000	469,000
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Common stock issued and issuable for royalties payable pursuant to product agreements, related party	14,000	16,000	38,000
Common stock issued and to be issued for consulting services and compensation in common stock	358,000	439,000	270,000
Exchange of investment in TPI in return for note receivable (Note 2)			385,000
Accrued property and equipment purchases at December 31	8,000	27,000	45,000
Accrued investment in other intangible assets at December 31	55,000	15,000	48,000
Assets acquired via capital leases			$ 19,000

Note 1 - Nature of Operations,

Note 1 - Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation and Company Conditions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block]	1. CUI Global Inc. (CUI Global) is a platform company composed of two The Power and Electromechanical segment is made up of the wholly owned subsidiaries: CUI Inc. (CUI), based in Tualatin, Oregon; CUI Japan, based in Tokyo, Japan; and CUI-Canada, based in Toronto, Canada. All three The Power and Electromechanical segment defines its product offerings into two power supply solutions components The Company’s Energy segment is made up of Orbital Gas Systems Ltd. (Orbital-UK) and Orbital Gas Systems, North America, Inc. (Orbital North America), collectively referred to as Orbital Gas Systems (Orbital). This business segment was formed when in April 2013, 100% January 2015, Technology During the year ended December 31, 2018, 79% 21%

Note 2 - Summary of Significant

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	2. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include estimates used to review the Company’s goodwill, impairments and estimations of long-lived assets, revenue recognition on cost-to-cost type contracts, allowances for uncollectible accounts, inventory valuation, warranty reserves, valuations of non-cash capital stock issuances and the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable in the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not may Company Conditions The continued delays in shipment of GasPTs on a significant project due to governmental delays and the related slower than expected acceptance of this new disruptive technology has caused a delay in our expected profitability. The Company had losses of $17.3 $12.3 December 31, 2018. December 31, 2018, $124.0 Management believes the Company's present cash flows will not twelve $10.0 April 2019. 16 December 31, 2018, $2.0 $0.6 $16.9 twelve twelve Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CUI Global, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries CUI Inc., CUI Japan, CUI-Canada, CUI Properties, LLC, Orbital Gas Systems, Ltd. and Orbital Gas Systems, North America, Inc. hereafter referred to as the ‘‘Company.’’ Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Accounting Standards Codification (‘‘ASC’’) 820 820’’ 820 three first two may • Level 1 • Level 2 2 • Level 3 The Company determines when a financial instrument transfers between levels based on management’s judgment of the significance of unobservable inputs used to calculate the fair value of the financial instrument. Management believes the carrying amounts of the short-term financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, investment, note receivable, accounts receivable, contract assets, prepaid expense and other assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, contract liabilities, refund liabilities, and other liabilities reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet approximate fair value at December 31, 2018 2017 2 December 31, 2018, zero Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash includes deposits at financial institutions with maturities of three 90 December 31, 2018 2017, $0.3 $0.9 $68 $0.2 December 31, 2018 2017, $0.3 $0.1 $1 $0.1 $67 $0.1 $523 2021. Investments and Notes Receivable Test Products International, Inc. ("TPI") is a provider of handheld test and measurement equipment. Through the acquisition of CUI Inc., the Company obtained 352,589 8.94% January 1 March 31, 2014 8.5% September 30, 2015, September 30, 2015, During the first 2016, $0.4 5% June 30, 2019. $17 $18 $19 December 31, 2018, 2017 2016, $10 $16 $37 December 31, 2018, 2017 2016, 2018 2017, $19 $39 December 31, 2018 2017 $318 $330 December 31, 2018 no During 2018, two $655 third 3, Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Accounts receivable consist of the receivables associated with revenue derived from product sales including present amounts due to contracts accounted for under cost-to-cost method. An allowance for uncollectible accounts is recorded to allow for any amounts that may not $0.2 $0.1 December 31, 2018 2017, 30 Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 2016 (In thousands) For the Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of year $ 135 $ 151 $ 90 Charge (credit) to costs and expenses 33 (13 ) 93 Deductions (1 ) (3 ) (32 ) Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of year $ 167 $ 135 $ 151 Inventories Inventories consist of finished and unfinished products and are stated at the lower of cost or market through either the first first At December 31, 2018, 2017, (In thousands) As of December 31, 2018 2017 Finished goods $ 10,143 $ 10,792 Raw materials 4,200 3,287 Work-in-process 1,194 759 Inventory reserves (2,495 ) (946 ) Total inventories $ 13,042 $ 13,892 Activity in inventory reserves is as follows: (In thousands) For the Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Inventory reserves, beginning of year $ 946 $ 774 $ 483 Charge to costs and expenses 1,592 138 312 Other (deductions) additions (43 ) 34 (21 ) Inventory reserves, end of year $ 2,495 $ 946 $ 774 In the fourth 2018, $1.4 Land, Buildings, Improvements, Furniture, Vehicles, Equipment, and Leasehold Improvements Land is recorded at cost and includes expenditures made to ready it for use. Land is considered to have an infinite useful life. Buildings and improvements are recorded at cost. Furniture, vehicles, and equipment are recorded at cost and include major expenditures, which increase productivity or substantially increase useful lives. Leasehold improvements are recorded at cost and are depreciated over the lesser of the lease term, estimated useful life, or ten The cost of buildings, improvements, furniture, vehicles, and equipment is depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes. The estimated useful lives for buildings, improvements, furniture, vehicles, and equipment are as follows: Estimated Useful Life (years) Buildings and improvements 5 to 39 Furniture and equipment 3 to 10 Vehicles 3 to 5 Maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are charged to expenses when incurred. When buildings, improvements, furniture, equipment and vehicles are sold or otherwise disposed of, the asset and related accumulated depreciation are removed from this account, and any gain or loss is included in the statement of operations or as a deferred gain liability on the balance sheets. Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets including finite-lived intangible assets are periodically reviewed for impairment whenever circumstances and situations change such that there is an indication that the carrying amounts may not not In the fourth 2018, not two $1.5 $0.1 2019 In 2018, 360 Property, Plant and Equipment not no No 2017 2016. Identifiable Intangible Assets Intangible assets are stated at cost net of accumulated amortization and impairment. The fair value for intangible assets acquired through acquisitions is measured at the time of acquisition utilizing the following inputs, as needed: 1. Inputs used to measure fair value are unadjusted quote prices available in active markets for the identical assets or liabilities if available. 2. Inputs used to measure fair value, other than quoted prices included in 1, not 3. Inputs used to measure fair value are unobservable inputs supported by little or no 4. Expert appraisal and fair value measurement as completed by third The following are the estimated useful life for the intangible assets: Estimated Useful Life (years) Finite-lived intangible assets Order backlog 2 Trade name - Orbital 10 Trade name - V-Infinity 5 Trade name - CUI-Canada 3 Customer list - Orbital 10 Customer list - CUI-Canada 7 Technology rights 20 (1) Technology-Based Asset - Know How 12 Technology-Based Asset - Software 10 Technology-Based Asset - Power 7 Software 3 to 5 (2) Patents See endnote (3) Other intangible assets See endnote (4) Indefinite-lived intangible assets Trade name - CUI See endnote (5) Customer list - CUI See endnote (5) Patents pending technology See endnote (5) ( 1 Technology rights are amortized over a 20 ( 2 Software assets are recorded at cost and include major expenditures, which increase productivity or substantially increase useful lives. ( 3 Patents are amortized over the life of the patent. Any patents not ( 4 Other intangible assets are amortized over an appropriate useful life, as determined by management in relation to the other intangible asset characteristics. ( 5 Indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed annually for impairment and when circumstances suggest. Indefinite-Lived Intangibles and Goodwill Assets The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, may one Annual Test. second may not May 31, 2018, 350 30 35 18A 18B. Under current accounting guidance, CUI Global is not not second may not As detailed in ASC 350 20 35 3A, May 31, 2018, not 350 20 35 3C During our review of Goodwill as of May 31, 2018, not The significant changes for the Orbital-UK reporting unit subsequent to the most recent impairment test performed as of December 31, 2017 2018 2018 To test the Orbital-UK reporting unit for impairment as of May 31, 2018, second 2018. one $1.3 second 2018. December 2018 fourth 2018, not May 31, 2018 not 2018 To test the Orbital-UK reporting unit for impairment, the Company used a quantitative test similar to the one May 31, 2018 December 31, 2018. $3.1 fourth 2018, 2018. As of December 31, 2018, December 2017 fourth 2017, not May 31, 2017 2017 2018 To test the Orbital-UK reporting unit for impairment, the Company used a quantitative test. The Company estimated the fair value of the Orbital-UK reporting unit using a blend of a market approach and an income approach, which was deemed to be the most indicative of fair value in an orderly transaction between market participants. Under the income approach, the Company determined fair value based on estimated future cash flows of the Orbital-UK reporting unit discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital, reflecting the overall level of inherent risk of the Orbital-UK reporting unit and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn. The Company based its cash flow projections for the Orbital-UK reporting unit using a forecast of cash flows and a terminal value developed by capitalizing an assumed stabilized cash flow figure. The forecast and related assumptions were derived from an updated financial forecast prepared during the fourth 2017. $3.2 fourth 2017. 2016 2016, no no no no 350 20 35 3C 2016, no Patent Costs The Company estimates the patents it has filed have a future beneficial value; therefore it capitalizes the costs associated with filing for its patents. At the time the patent is approved, the patent costs associated with the patent are amortized over the useful life of the patent. If the patent is not Accrued expenses Accrued expenses are liabilities that reflect expenses on the statement of operations that have not December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017, $4.9 $4.2 $1.7 $1.9 $1.7 $1.3 Derivative instruments The Company uses various derivative instruments including forward currency contracts, and interest rate swaps to manage certain exposures. These instruments are entered into under the Company’s corporate risk management policy to minimize exposure and are not not may one ten December 31, 2018, 2017 2016, $129 $111 $113 December 31, 2018, $227 Derivative Liabilities The Company evaluates embedded conversion features pursuant to FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 815 815’’ Stock-Based Compensation The Company records its stock-based compensation expense under its stock option plans and also issues stock for services. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation using FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 718 718’’ 718 Stock bonuses issued to employees are recorded at fair value using the market price of the stock on the date of grant and expensed over the vesting period or immediately if fully vested on date of issuance. Employee stock options are recorded at fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The underlying assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model by the Company are taken from publicly available sources including: ( 1 2 3 4 See Note 10 Common stock, stock options and common stock warrants issued to other than employees or directors are also recorded on the basis of their fair value, as required by FASB ASC 505, 505, 505, Common stock issued to other than employees or directors subject to performance (performance based awards) require interpretation to include ASC 505 50 30 13 505 Defined Contribution Plans The Company has a 401 60 18 6% $0.5 $0.4 $0.4 2018, 2017 2016, Orbital-UK operates a defined contribution retirement benefit plan for employees who have been employed with the company at least 12 5% $0.3 $0.2 $0.3 2018, 2017, 2016, Revenue Recognition On January 1, 2018, 606, January 1, 2018. not January 1, 2018 $1.9 $2.8 0.9 As a result of the adoption of ASC 606, December 31, 2017 10 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2017 Captions in December 31, 2017 balance sheet within Form 10 Reclassified to Captions in December 31, 2017 consolidated balance sheet herein Costs in excess of billings Contract assets Billings in excess of costs Contract liabilities Unearned revenue Contract liabilities Unearned revenue Refund liabilities Changes in these accounts as reclassified are reflected on the consolidated statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 2016. January 1, 2018, 606 606" not December 31, 2017. January 1, 2018 606, not 606 January 1, 2018 (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2017 Adjustments Due to ASC 606 Balance at January 1, 2018 Balance Sheet Assets: Inventories $ 13,892 $ (1,064 ) $ 12,828 Contract assets 2,299 (516 ) 1,783 Total current assets 41,276 (1,580 ) 39,696 Total assets $ 87,909 $ (1,580 ) $ 86,329 Liabilities: Contract liabilities $ 8,829 $ (4,168 ) $ 4,661 Refund liabilities 695 870 1,565 Total current liabilities 18,914 (3,298 ) 15,616 Deferred tax liabilities 2,414 (173 ) 2,241 Total liabilities 30,423 (3,471 ) 26,952 Stockholders' Equity: Accumulated deficit (108,559 ) 1,891 (106,668 ) Total stockholders' equity 57,486 1,891 59,377 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 87,909 $ (1,580 ) $ 86,329 The impact of adoption on our consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of operations as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018 (In thousands, except per share amounts) For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 As Reported Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606 Effect of Change Higher / (Lower) Statement of Operations Total revenues $ 96,789 $ 91,417 $ 5,372 Cost of revenues 67,879 64,495 3,384 Gross profit 28,910 26,922 1,988 Loss from operations (16,778 ) (18,766 ) 1,988 Loss before taxes (17,531 ) (19,519 ) 1,988 Income tax (benefit) expense (206 ) (462 ) 256 Net loss $ (17,325 ) $ (19,057 ) $ 1,732 Basic and diluted loss per common share $ (0.61 ) $ (0.67 ) $ 0.06 (in thousands) As of December 31, 2018 As Reported Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606 Effect of Change Higher / (Lower) Balance Sheet Assets: Inventories $ 13,042 $ 17,578 $ (4,536 ) Contract assets 1,744 2,109 (365 ) Total current assets 35,481 40,382 (4,901 ) Total assets $ 70,167 $ 75,068 $ (4,901 ) Liabilities: Contract liabilities $ 2,226 $ 12,203 $ (9,977 ) Refund liabilities 2,417 1,063 1,354 Total current liabilities 18,586 27,209 (8,623 ) Deferred tax liabilities 1,922 1,823 99 Total liabilities 28,629 37,153 (8,524 ) Stockholders' Equity: Accumulated deficit (123,993 ) (127,616 ) 3,623 Total stockholders' equity 41,538 37,915 3,623 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 70,167 $ 75,068 $ (4,901 ) The adoption of ASC 606 no Power and Electromechanical segment The Power and Electromechanical segment generates its revenue from two power supply solutions components Energy segment The Energy segment subsidiaries, collectively referred to as Orbital Gas Systems (Orbital), generate their revenue from a portfolio of products, services and resources that offer a diverse range of personalized gas engineering solutions to the gas utilities, power generation, petrochemical, emissions, manufacturing and automotive industries, among others. Orbital accounts for a majority of its contract revenue proportionately over time. For our performance obligations satisfied over time, we recognize revenue by measuring the progress toward complete satisfaction of that performance obligation. The selection of the method to measure progress towards completion can be either an input method or an output method and requires judgment based on the nature of the goods or services to be provided. For our construction contracts, revenue is generally recognized over time as our performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls. Our fixed price construction projects generally use a cost-to-cost input method to measure our progress towards complete satisfaction of the performance obligation as we believe it best depicts the transfer of control to the customer. Under the cost-to-cost measure of progress, the extent of progress towards completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. The timing of revenue recognition for Energy products also depends on the payment terms of the contract, as our performance does not not For our service contracts, revenue is also generally recognized over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of our performance as we perform the service. For our fixed price service contracts with specified service periods, revenue is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over such service period when our inputs are expended evenly, and the customer receives and consumes the benefits of our performance throughout the contract term. For certain of our revenue streams, such as call-out repair and service work, and outage services, that are performed under time and materials contracts, our progress towards complete satisfaction of such performance obligations is measured using an output method as the customer receives and consumes the benefits of our performance completed to date. Due to uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, it is possible that estimates of costs to complete a performance obligation will be revised in the near-term. For those performance obligations for which revenue is recognized using a cost-to-cost input method, changes in total estimated costs, and related progress towards complete satisfaction of the performance obligation, are recognized on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period in which the revisions to the estimates are made. When the current estimate of total costs for a performance obligation indicate a loss, a provision for the entire estimated loss on the unsatisfied performance obligation is made in the period in which the loss becomes evident. Product-type contracts (for example, sale of GasPT units) for which revenue does not Accounts Receivable, Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities Accounts receivable are recognized in the period when our right to consideration is unconditional. Accounts receivable are recognized net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the likelihood of realization of receivables. The timing of revenue recognition may not Contract liabilities from our construction contracts occur when amounts invoiced to our customers exceed revenues recognized under the cost-to-cost measure of progress. Contract liabilities additionally include advanced payments from our customers on certain contracts. Contract liabilities decrease as we recognize revenue from the satisfaction of the related performance obligation and are recorded as either current or long-term, depending upon when we expect to recognize such revenue. Activity in the current contract liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2018 (In thousands) Current contract liabilities - January 1, 2018 $ 4,661 Long-term contract liabilities - January 1, 2018 (1) 84 Total contract liabilities - January 1, 2018 $ 4,745 Total contract liabilities - January 1, 2018 $ 4,745 Contract additions, net 2,168 Revenue recognized (4,356 ) Translation (202 ) Total contract liabilities - December 31, 2018 $ 2,355 Current contract liabilities - December 31, 2018 $ 2,226 Long-term contract liabilities - December 31, 2018 (1) 129 Total contract liabilities - December 31, 2018 $ 2,355 ( 1 Refund Liabilities and Corresponding Inventory Adjustment Refund liabilities primarily represent estimated future new product introduction returns and estimated future scrap returns. Estimated future returns and allowances are reserved based on historical return rates. In addition to the refund liabilities recorded for future returns, the Company also records an adjustment to inventory and corresponding adjustment to cost of revenue for the Company's right to recover products from customers upon settling the refund liability. Performance Obligations Remaining Performance Obligations Remaining performance obligations, represents the transaction price of firm orders for which work has not December 31, 2018, 12 Any adjustments to net revenues, cost of revenues, and the related impact to operating income are recognized as necessary in the period they become known. These adjustments may may may not one one Performance Obligations Satisfied Over Time To determine the proper revenue recognition method for contracts for our Energy segment, we evaluate whether a single contract should be accounted for as more than one For most of our contracts, the customer contracts with us to provide a significant service of integrating a complex set of tasks and components into a single project or capability (even if that single project results in the delivery of multiple units). Hence, the entire contract is accounted for as one may one one Performance Obligations Satisfied at a Point in Time. Revenue from goods and services transferred to customers at a single point in time accounted for 84% December 31, 2018. Variable Consideration The nature of our contracts gives rise to several types of variable consideration, including new product introduction returns and scrap return allowances primarily in our Power and Electromechanical segment. In rare instances in our Energy segment, we include in our contract estimates, additional revenue for submitted contract modifications or claims against the customer when we believe we have an enforceable right to the modification or claim, the amount can be estimated reliably and its realization is probable. In evaluating these criteria, we consider the contractual/legal basis for the claim, the cause of any additional costs incurred, the reasonableness of those costs and the objective evidence available to support the claim. We include new product introduction and scrap return estimates in our calculation of net revenue when there is a basis to reasonably estimate the amount of the returns. These estimates are based on historical return experience, anticipated returns and our best judgment at the time. These amounts are included in our calculation of net revenue recorded for our contracts and the associated remaining performance obligations. The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by revenue source for the year ended December 31, 2018: (In thousands) Power and Electromechanical Energy Total Distributor sales $ 43,795 $ — $ 43,795 Direct Sales 32,652 20,342 52,994 Total revenues $ 76,447 $ 20,342 $ 96,789 The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by timing of revenue recognition for the year ended December 31, 2018: (In thousands) Power and Electromechanical Energy Total Revenues recognized at point in time $ 76,447 $ 4,391 $ 80,838 Revenues recognized over time — 15,951 15,951 Total revenues $ 76,447 $ 20,342 $ 96,789 The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by region for the year ended December 31, 2018: (In thousands) Power and Electromechanical Energy Total North America $ 58,006 $ 4,311 $ 62,317 Europe 4,195 15,620 19,815 Asia 13,727 205 13,932 Other 519 206 725 Total revenues $ 76,447 $ 20,342 $ 96,789 Revenue Recognition - 2017 2016 As discussed above, ASC 606 2017 2016 not 606. 2017 2016, Power and Electromechanical segment Product revenue was recognized in the period when persuasive evidence of an arrangement with a customer existed, the products were shipped and title had transferred to the customer, the price was fixed or determinable, and collection was reasonably assured. The Company sells to distributors pursuant to distribution agreements that have certain terms and conditions such as the right of return and price protection, which inhibited revenue recognition unless they could be reasonably estimated as we could not one 26% 2017, three 15% 2017, Energy segment For production-type contracts meeting the Company’s minimum threshold, revenues and related costs on these contracts were recognized using the ‘‘percentage of completion method’’ of accounting in accordance with ASC 605 35, Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production Type Contracts 605 35’’ not not two Production-type contracts that did not 605 35 25 57. no For product sales in the Energy segment, revenue was recognized in the period when persuasive evidence of an arrangement with a customer existed, the products were shipped and title had transferred to the customer, the price was fixed or determinable, and collection was reasonably assured. Revenues from warranty and maintenance activities were recognized ratably over the term of the warranty and maintenance period and the unrecognized portion was recorded as deferred revenue. Shipping and Handling Costs Amounts billed to customers in sales transactions related to shipping and handling represent revenues earned for the goods provided and are included in sales, and were approximately $27 $17 $23 December 31, 2018, 2017 2016, Warranty Reserves A warranty reserve liability is recorded based on estimates of future costs on sales recognized. At December 31, 2018 2017, $37 $40 Advertising The costs incurred for producing and communicating advertising are charged to operations as incurred. Advertising expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 2016 $2.0 $1.8 $1.7 2018, 2017 2016, $0.6 $0.3 $0.3 Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method of FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 740 740’’ 740, not not Valuation allowances have been established against all domestic based deferred tax assets and U.K. based deferred tax assets due to uncertainties in the Company’s ability to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods to make realization of such assets more likely than not. not. not The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to its tax positions in income tax expense. CUI Global files consolidated income tax returns with its U.S. based subsidiaries for federal and many state jurisdictions in addition to separate subsidiary income tax returns in Japan, the United Kingdom and Canada. As of December 31, 2018, not no 2015. Net Loss per Share In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 260 260’’ 2018, 2017 2016, three 2018, 2017 2016. 1,844; 63,602 25,811 December 31, 2018, 2017 2016, 2017 2016. The following table summarizes the number of stock options outstanding excluding amounts applicable to contingent conversion option, which may As of December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Options, outstanding 923,898 964,180 966,681 Any common shares issued as a result of stock options would come from newly issued common shares as granted under our equity incentive plans. The following is the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share: For the Years Ended December 31, (In thousands, except share and per share amounts) 2018 2017 2016 Net loss $ (17,325 ) $ (12,589 ) $ (7,266 ) Basic and diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding 28,517,339 22,397,865 20,897,812 Basic loss per common share $ (0.61 ) $ (0.56 ) $ (0.35 ) Diluted loss per common share $ (0.61 ) $ (0.56 ) $ (0.35 ) Foreign Currency Translation The financial statements of the Company's foreign offices have been translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with FASB ASC 830, 830 2018, 2017 2016 Segment Reporting Operating segments are defined in accordance with ASC 280 10 six 280 10. three three not The following information represents segment activity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018: (In thousands) Power and Energy Other Total Revenues from external customers $ 76,447 $ 20,342 $ — $ 96,789 Depreciation and amortization (1) 1,480 1,525 — 3,005 Interest expense 221 23 258 502 Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets — 4,347 — 4,347 Income (loss) from operations 5,332 (17,168 ) (4,942 ) (16,778 ) Segment assets 45,553 19,034 5,580 70,167 Other intangibles assets, net 8,547 5,314 — 13,861 Goodwill 13,089 — — 13,089 Expenditures for segment assets (2) 1,299 235 — 1,534 The following information represents segment activity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017: (In thousands) Power and Electro- mechanical Energy Other Total Revenues from external customers $ 64,432 $ 18,843 $ — $ 83,275 Depreciation and amortization (1) 1,505 1,345 — 2,850 Interest expense 249 1 250 500 Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets 3 3,152 — 3,155 Income (loss) from operations 2,355 (11,366 ) (4,918 ) (13,929 ) Segment assets 49,392 26,512 12,005 87,909 Other intangibles assets, net 8,899 6,669 — 15,568 Goodwill 13,092 4,549 — 17,641 Expenditures for segment assets (2) 955 576 — 1,531 The following information represents segment activity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016: (In thousands) Power and Electro- mechanical Energy Other Total Revenues from external customers $ 58,403 $ 28,058 $ — $ 86,461 Depreciation and amortization (1) 1,445 1,401 2 2,848 Interest expense 221 6 240 467 Income (loss) from operations 645 (1,676 ) (5,479 ) (6,510 ) Segment assets 49,830 29,632 381 79,843 Other intangibles assets, net 9,262 6,939 — 16,201 Goodwill 13,083 7,042 — 20,125 Expenditures for segment assets (2) 1,032 642 — 1,674 ( 1 For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 2016, $0.9 $0.7 $0.5 ( 2 Includes purchases of property, plant and equipment and investment in other intangible assets. The following information represents revenue by country: For the Years Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Amount % Amount % Amount % USA $ 59,319 61 % $ 50,875 61 % $ 46,514 54 % United Kingdom 15,185 16 % 14,522 17 % 17,337 20 % China 5,463 6 % 5,381 7 % 5,930 7 % All Others 16,822 17 % 12,497 15 % 16,680 19 % Total $ 96,789 100 % $ 83,275 100 % $ 86,461 100 % The following information represents long-lived assets (excluding deferred tax assets) by country: As of December 31, (In thousands) 2018 2017 USA $ 23,544 $ 27,662 United Kingdom 9,647 17,739 Other 1,495 1,232 $ 34,686 $ 46,633 Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2017 2017 2016 2018 Recent Accounting Pronouncements In August 2018, No. 2018 15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350 40 2018 15" 2018 15 December 15, 2019, 2020. In August 2018, No. 2018 13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820 2018 13” 820, 3 December 15, 2019, 2020. In June 2018, No. 2018 07, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718 2018 07" 718, December 15, 2018, not 2019. In June 2016, No. 2016 13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326 2016 13” 2016 13 December 15, 2019 December 15, 2018. 2020. In February 2016, No. 2016 02, Leases (Topic 842 2016 02’’ 2016 02 December 15, 2018 first 2019. 840 12 Upon adoption, we expect to record a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability for the Company's operating leases where the Company is the lessee. The potential effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements is largely based on the present value of future minimum lease payments, the amount of which will depend upon the population of leases in effect at the date of adoption. The present value of future minimum lease payments totaled $7.8 December 31, 2018. $2.9 January 1, 2019 not

Note 3 - Investments and Fair V

Note 3 - Investments and Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	3. The Company’s fair value hierarchy for its cash equivalents, marketable securities and derivative instruments as of December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017, (In thousands) December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money market securities $ 16 $ — $ — $ 16 Certificate of deposit - restricted cash 523 — — 523 Certificate of deposit - restricted investment (1) 400 — — 400 Convertible notes receivable — — 655 655 Total assets $ 939 $ — $ 655 $ 1,594 December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money market securities $ 16 $ — $ — $ 16 Total assets $ 16 $ — $ — $ 16 Derivative instrument payable $ — $ 356 $ — $ 356 Contingent consideration — — 45 45 Total liabilities $ — $ 356 $ 45 $ 401 ( 1 12 Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3 (In thousands) Contingent Convertible Notes Consideration Receivable Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 45 $ — Payments (45 ) — Investments — 655 Fair value adjustments — — Balance at December 31, 2018 $ — $ 655 There were no 3 2 2018 not $500,000 $155,000 December 31, 2018. The contingent consideration liability was associated with the acquisition of Tectrol in March 2015 3 not The Company's valuation of the contingent consideration reflected the Company’s internal revenue forecasts. Since the valuation was not 2018. The fair values of the reporting units subject to the Company’s quantitative impairment analysis were determined utilizing a blend of a market and an income approach to determine the estimated fair values of the reporting units, as discussed in Note 2. 3

Note 4 - Property and Equipment

Note 4 - Property and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	4. Property and equipment is summarized as follows: At December 31, (In thousands) 2018 2017 Land $ 382 $ 1,205 Buildings and improvements 4,085 8,476 Equipment 5,740 5,716 Property and equipment, gross 10,207 15,397 Less accumulated depreciation (4,234 ) (4,155 ) Property and equipment, net $ 5,973 $ 11,242 Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 2016 $1.1 $1.0 $0.9 During the year ended December 31, 2018, $5.7 $0.9 2018, $8.1 ten $2.9 $0.4 During the year ended December 31, 2017, $0.3 $0.3

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Int

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	5. At December 31, 2018 2017, December 31, 2018 Identifiable Intangible December 31, 2017 Identifiable Intangible (In thousands) *Estimated Gross Assets, less Gross Assets, less Useful Carrying Accumulated Accumulated Carrying Accumulated Accumulated Life (years) Amount Amortization Amortization Amount Amortization Amortization Finite-lived intangible assets Power and Electromechanical Segment: Trademark and trade name - V-Infinity 5 $ 1,095 $ (1,095 ) $ — $ 1,095 $ (1,095 ) $ — Trademark and trade name - AMP Group 3 28 (28 ) — 27 (23 ) 4 Trademark and trade name - CUI-Canada 3 128 (128 ) — 128 (121 ) 7 Technology rights 7 and 20** 1,291 (746 ) 545 1,291 (578 ) 713 Computer software 3 to 5 956 (857 ) 99 971 (850 ) 121 Product certifications 3 1,667 (1,187 ) 480 1,412 (820 ) 592 Customer relationships - CUI-Canada 7 267 (146 ) 121 267 (108 ) 159 Other intangible assets *** 114 (114 ) — 114 (113 ) 1 Total Power and Electromechanical Segment 5,546 (4,301 ) 1,245 5,305 (3,708 ) 1,597 Energy Segment: Order backlog 2 2,837 (2,837 ) — 3,006 (3,006 ) — Trade name - Orbital-UK 10 1,526 (877 ) 649 1,616 (768 ) 848 Customer list - Orbital-UK 10 5,931 (3,411 ) 2,520 6,284 (2,985 ) 3,299 Technology rights 20 318 (173 ) 145 337 (150 ) 187 Technology-Based Asset - Know How 12 2,403 (1,151 ) 1,252 2,546 (1,008 ) 1,538 Technology-Based Asset - Software 10 521 (300 ) 221 552 (262 ) 290 Computer software 3 to 5 667 (140 ) 527 520 (13 ) 507 Other intangible assets *** — — — — — — Total Energy Segment 14,203 (8,889 ) 5,314 14,861 (8,192 ) 6,669 Indefinite-lived intangible assets Power and Electromechanical Segment: Trade mark and trade name - CUI Inc. 4,893 — 4,893 4,893 — 4,893 Customer list - CUI Inc. 1,857 — 1,857 1,857 — 1,857 Patents pending - Technology 552 — 552 552 — 552 7,302 — 7,302 7,302 — 7,302 Total Identifiable other intangible assets $ 27,051 $ (13,190 ) $ 13,861 $ 27,468 $ (11,900 ) $ 15,568 * All intangibles are reviewed annually for impairment, or sooner if circumstances change. ** Technology rights include $1.0 March 2015. 7 20 *** Other intangible assets are amortized over an appropriate useful life, as determined by management in relation to the other intangible asset characteristics. Intangible asset amortization by category was as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Trademarks and trade name 172 316 434 Customer lists/relationships 660 638 669 Technology rights 201 198 193 Technology-based assets 264 255 269 Computer software 191 83 76 Product certifications 413 343 260 Other intangibles 1 8 22 Total amortization $ 1,902 $ 1,841 $ 1,923 Estimated future amortization by category of finite-lived intangible assets at December 31, 2018 For the Years Ending December 31, (In thousands) 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 and thereafter Totals Trademarks and trade name $ 153 $ 153 $ 153 $ 153 $ 37 $ — $ 649 Customer lists/relationships 631 631 631 600 148 — 2,641 Technology rights 191 183 183 65 28 40 690 Technology-based assets 252 252 252 252 214 251 1,473 Computer software 222 197 110 77 20 — 626 Product certifications 287 154 39 — — — 480 Other intangibles — — — — — — — Total amortization $ 1,736 $ 1,570 $ 1,368 $ 1,147 $ 447 $ 291 $ 6,559 Management reviews other intangible assets for impairment when facts or circumstances suggest. As of December 31, 2018, no The following table reflects the carrying amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2018 2017, 2018 2017 (In thousands) Power and Electro - mechanical Energy Other Total Balance, December 31, 2016 $ 13,083 $ 7,042 $ — $ 20,125 Currency translation adjustments 9 659 — 668 Goodwill impairment — (3,152 ) — (3,152 ) Balance, December 31, 2017 13,092 4,549 — 17,641 Currency translation adjustments (3 ) (202 ) — (205 ) Goodwill impairment — (4,347 ) — $ (4,347 ) Balance, December 31, 2018 $ 13,089 $ — $ — $ 13,089 See Note 2 2018 2017.

Note 6 - Instruments and Risk M

Note 6 - Instruments and Risk Management	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	6. The Company has limited involvement with derivative instruments and does not At December 31, 2018 2017, no From time to time, to minimize risk associated with foreign currency exposures on receivables for sales denominated in foreign currencies, the Company enters into various foreign currency forward exchange contracts, which are intended to minimize the currency exchange rate exposure from expected future cash flows. The forward currency contracts have maturity dates of up to one December 31, 2018 2017, no In conjunction with the mortgage note payable for the purchase of the headquarters facility completed in 2013, October 1, 2013, ten 6.27%. In December 2018, The amount of gain recognized in income on the statement of operations is summarized below: Location of Gain Recognized in Income For the Years Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Interest rate swap: Other income (expense) $ 129 $ 111 $ 113

Note 7 - Notes Payable

Note 7 - Notes Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	7. NOTES PAYABLE Notes payable is summarized as follows: As of December 31, (In thousands) 2018 2017 (a) Mortgage note payable $ — $ 3,350 (b) Acquisition Note Payable - related party 5,304 5,304 Ending balance $ 5,304 $ 8,654 (a) On October 1, 2013, $5.1 $3.7 2% ten 2018 2017, $3.4 $89 December 2018, December 31, 2017, $3.4 $94 $3.3 (b) The note payable to International Electronic Devices, Inc. (IED) (formerly CUI Inc.) is associated with the acquisition of CUI Inc. The promissory note is due May 15, 2020 5% $0.001 December 31, 2018, not The following table details the maturity of the notes payable for CUI Global, Inc.: (In thousands) As of December 31, 2018 2019 $ — 2020 5,304 2021 — 2022 — 2023 — Thereafter — Total $ 5,304

Note 8 - Working Capital Line o

Note 8 - Working Capital Line of Credit and Overdraft Facility	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Working Capital, Line of Credit and Overdraft Facility [Text Block]	8. On October 5, 2016, five (In thousands) Credit Limit December 31, 2018 Balance Expiration Date Interest rate £1,500 pounds sterling ($1,910 at December 31, 2018) $ 1,344 October 5, 2021 Base rate plus a 2.25% margin (2.5% as of December 31, 2018). The London branch of Wells Fargo Bank N.A. can demand repayment of amounts on overdraft at any time. The overdraft facility is primarily secured by land, equipment, intellectual property rights, and rights to potential future insurance proceeds held by Orbital Gas Systems, Ltd. CUI, Inc. and CUI-Canada have a line of credit (LOC) whose terms with Wells Fargo Bank are as follows: (In thousands) Credit Limit December 31, 2018 balance Expiration Date Interest rate $ 5,000 (1) $ 979 (2) June 1, 2019 Fixed rate at 2.25% above the LIBOR in effect on the first day of the applicable fixed-rate term, or variable rate at 2.25% above the daily one-month LIBOR rate. ( 1 $2 ( 2 not may $27 December 31, 2018. At December 31, 2018, (In thousands) CUI Inc. and CUI-Canada General intangibles, net $ 8,546 CUI Inc. and CUI-Canada Accounts receivable, net 9,102 CUI Inc. and CUI-Canada Inventory, net 11,403 CUI Inc. and CUI-Canada Equipment, net 1,438 CUI Global, Inc., the parent company, is a payment guarantor of the LOC. Other terms included in this revolving line of credit for CUI Inc./CUI-Canada limit capital expenditures by CUI Inc. and CUI-Canada to $1.75 not June 1, 2019, one The LOC contains certain financial covenants. Under the terms of CUI Inc./CUI-Canada's credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, the Company incurred a specified default limited to the breach of the EBITDA financial covenant of CUI Global as the guarantor for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2018. April 30, 2019, April 30, 2019. March 13, 2019, two first $3 $10 2.00%. April 2019.

Note 9 - Commitments and Contin

Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	9. Legal Matters The Company may not not Commissions, Royalty and License Fee Agreements The Company has minimum commitments under certain royalty agreements. Royalty and license fees are paid in accordance with their related agreements, either on a monthly or quarterly basis. We deal with a number of independent licensors for whose intellectual property we compete with other manufacturers. Rights to such intellectual property, when acquired by us, are usually exclusive and the agreements require us to pay the licensor a royalty on our net sales of the item. These license agreements, in some cases, also provide for advance royalties and minimum guarantees in order to maintain technical rights and exclusivity. As of December 31, 2018 2017, $17 $36 External Sales Representative Commissions Commissions to external sales representatives are paid in accordance with their related agreements, either on a monthly or annual basis. As of December 31, 2018 2017, $0.3 $0.3 Employment Agreements As of the year ended December 31, 2018, William J. Clough, President/Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel of CUI Global, Inc., Chief Executive Officer of all CUI Global subsidiaries Mr. Clough is employed under a multi-year employment contract with the Company, which became effective July 1, 2013, December 31, 2019. 2018 $560 one hundred twenty-five two 4% twenty-five 15th December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, $30 $33 $29 Daniel N. Ford, Chief Financial Officer of CUI Global Inc. and Subsidiaries, Chief Operating Officer of the Energy Division Mr. Ford is employed under a multi-year employment contract with the Company, which became effective July 1, 2013 December 31, 2019. 2018 $350 4% eighteen one hundred twenty-five twenty-five 15th December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, $21 $22 $19 Matthew M. McKenzie, President of CUI Inc., Chief Operating Officer of the Power and Electromechanical Division and Corporate Secretary of CUI Global, Inc. Mr. McKenzie is employed under a multi-year employment contract with the Company, which became effective July 1, 2013 December 31, 2019. 2018 $320 4% eighteen one hundred twenty-five twenty-five 15th December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, $18 $12 $5 Paul D. White, President of Orbital Gas Systems, Limited Mr. White is employed under a three December 1, 2020 $225 1 $30 one $250 $275 2 3, July 2017, December 1, 2017, twenty-five December 31, 2018 2017, $155 $40 Leases CUI executed a sale-leaseback transaction of its Tualatin, OR headquarters facility in December 2018. $16 2018, 2019 $51 Orbital-UK has a number of leases, on vehicles, equipment, and on accommodations for visiting personnel. During the year ended December 31, 2018, $32 In January 2015, December 31, 2017, January 2018, $10 November 2017, $30 In March 2015, December 31, 2018, $34 Additionally, CUI Japan leases office space. During the year ended December 31, 2018, $3 Rental expense was $1.2 $0.9 $0.8 2018, 2017 2016, Future minimum operating lease obligations are as follows: (In thousands) As of December 31, 2018 2019 $ 1,482 2020 1,129 2021 1,031 2022 1,013 2023 605 Thereafter 3,307 Total $ 8,567

Note 10 - Stockholders' Equity

Note 10 - Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	10. Common Stock Dividend Restrictions As of December 31, 2018, no December 31, 2018 2017, not Common Stock Issuances (Dollars in thousands) Date of Type of Expense/ Prepaid/ Stock issuance recipient Reason for issuance Total no. of Grant date proceeds January, April, July and October 2018 Vested restricted common stock Expense Four board members Director compensation 72,157 $ 175 January and July 2018 Common stock Expense Three Employees Approved bonuses 68,118 183 (1) July and December 2018 Common stock Expense Related Party, James McKenzie Pursuant to royalty agreement 5,755 14 (1) Total 2018 issuances 146,030 $ 372 (2) (3) (11) January, April, August and October 2017 Vested restricted common stock Expense Four board members Director compensation 49,980 $ 200 January, February and June 2017 Common stock Expense Three Employees Approved bonuses 28,634 182 (4) January and December 2017 Common stock Expense Related party, James McKenzie Pursuant to royalty agreement 3,293 16 (4) January and February 2017 Common stock Expense Two Employees Cashless stock option exercises 245 — (5) May 2017 Common stock Prepaid expense/expense Third-party consultant Strategic investor marketing services 15,000 57 (6) October 2017 Common stock Cash Various third-party shareholders Equity raise 7,392,856 18,905 Total 2017 issuances 7,490,008 $ 19,360 (7) January, April, July and October 2016 Vested restricted common stock Expense Five board members Director compensation 46,854 $ 267 (8) January and July 2016 Vested restricted common stock Expense Four Employees Approved bonuses 56,782 381 (9) January, March September and December 2016 Common stock Expense Related party, James McKenzie Pursuant to royalty agreement 6,275 38 February and April 2016 Common stock Expense Three Employees Cashless stock option exercise 718 — (5) Total 2016 issuances 110,629 $ 686 (10) ( 1 Includes bonus and royalty of $170 2017. ( 2 Total excludes $3 not December 31, 2018. ( 3 Excludes $24 2017 2018. ( 4 Includes bonuses and royalty of $176 2016. ( 5 The Company received $0 ( 6 Amount includes $24 December 31, 2017. ( 7 Does not $170 December 31, 2017 ( 8 Includes $38 2015 fourth 2015. ( 9 Bonuses of $366 fourth 2015. ( 10 Does not $176 December 31, 2016. ( 11 The second 2014 150,000 December 31, 2018, not no second S- 3 The Company filed an S- 3 March 14, 2017 March 29, 2017. may $100 On October 23, 2017, 7,392,856 $2.80 964,285 $18.9 Employee Stock Options All options issued are presented at post reverse quantities. On May 16, 2008 2008 1,500,000 2008 September 15, 2008, 2009 September 29, 2009, 2008 1,500,000 3,000,000. 8. The 2008 The 2008 not 110% ten not one ten On January 5, 2009 January 8, 2009 2009 4,200,000 $0.001 October 11, 2010, 3,060,382 2009 September 21, 2012, 330,000 2009 The 2009 not 2009 ten During the years ended 2018, 2017 2016, $0, $0 $0.2 718 All expense related to option awards was fully recognized as of December 31, 2016. A summary of the options issued to employees and directors and changes during the years are presented below: For the Year Ended December 31, 2016 Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price ($) Weighted Average Remaining Contract Life (years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($ '000) Balance at beginning of year 970,847 $ 6.32 6.54 $ 850 Exercised (2,333 ) 5.46 4 Expired (1,833 ) 5.40 Balance at end of year 966,681 $ 6.32 5.55 751 Exercisable 966,681 $ 6.32 5.55 751 For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price ($) Weighted Average Remaining Contract Life (years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($ '000) Balance at beginning of year 966,681 $ 6.32 5.55 $ 751 Exercised (2,001 ) 5.70 Expired (500 ) 4.58 Balance at end of year 964,180 $ 6.32 4.56 — Exercisable 964,180 $ 6.32 4.56 — For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price ($) Weighted Average Remaining Contract Life (years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($ '000) Balance at beginning of year 964,180 $ 6.32 4.56 $ — Expired (40,282 ) 6.47 Balance at end of year 923,898 $ 6.32 3.64 — Exercisable 923,898 $ 6.32 3.64 — As of December 31, 2018 2017, 2016 no 2018, 2017 2016. December 31, 2018, no

Note 11 - Related Party Transac

Note 11 - Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	11. The Company has a $0.3 2 During 2018, 2017 2016, $0.3 $0.3 $0.3 7 Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors, William J. Clough’s son Nicholas J. Clough, serves as President at Orbital Gas Systems, North America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and as Chief Sales Officer for the Energy Division. In 2018, 2017, 2016, $213 $200 $188 $150 $150 $113 2018, 2017, 2016, 2016 $50 $49 $41 $30 2018, 2017 2016, December 31, 2018 2017, $13 $13 not $50,000 Orbital employs three 9

Note 12 - Accumulated Other Com

Note 12 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	12. The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows: (In thousands) As of December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Foreign currency translation adjustment $ (4,396 ) $ (3,510 ) $ (5,590 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (4,396 ) $ (3,510 ) $ (5,590 )

Note 13 - Capitalized Interest

Note 13 - Capitalized Interest	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Interest Paid Capitalized [Text Block]	13. The cost of constructing facilities, equipment and project assets includes interest costs incurred during the assets’ construction period. The components of interest expense and capitalized interest are as follows: (In thousands) For the Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Interest cost incurred $ 511 $ 521 $ 492 Interest cost capitalized - property and equipment (9 ) (21 ) (25 ) Interest expense, net $ 502 $ 500 $ 467

Note 14 - Income Taxes

Note 14 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	14. Consolidated loss before income taxes consisted of the following: (In thousands) For the Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 U.S. operations $ (5,187 ) $ (7,420 ) $ (8,442 ) Foreign operations (12,344 ) (6,775 ) 1,214 (Loss) before income taxes $ (17,531 ) $ (14,195 ) $ (7,228 ) The income tax (benefit) expense consisted of the following: (In thousands) For the Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Current: Federal $ — $ — $ — State and local 81 60 81 Foreign 65 101 64 Total current provision 146 161 145 Deferred: Federal — (887 ) — State and local — — — Foreign (352 ) (880 ) (107 ) Total deferred (benefit) (352 ) (1,767 ) (107 ) Total income tax (benefit) expense $ (206 ) $ (1,606 ) $ 38 The following table provides a reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to the recorded tax provision (benefit): (In thousands) For the Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Computed federal income taxes at the statutory rate (benefit) $ (3,681 ) $ (4,826 ) $ (2,457 ) State income taxes (net of federal benefit) 63 39 53 Permanent tax differences (122 ) (262 ) (415 ) Foreign tax rates and tax credits differing from USA 763 887 4 Purchased goodwill impairment 828 1,072 — Research and development credits (202 ) — — Net operating loss and other adjustment (717 ) (256 ) 216 Change in enacted tax rates applied to foreign deferred taxes 242 122 (38 ) Change in valuation allowance 2,620 2,505 2,675 Change in enacted tax rates applied to USA deferred taxes — (887 ) — Total income tax (benefit) provision $ (206 ) $ (1,606 ) $ 38 The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset-liability method. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Valuation allowances are provided when it is ‘‘more likely than not’’ not (In thousands) As of December 31, 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 19,754 $ 16,905 Contribution and other carryforwards 197 218 Inventory and accounts receivable reserves 668 549 Other 578 676 Valuation allowance (20,281 ) (17,662 ) Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance 916 686 Deferred tax liabilities Intangible assets (2,765 ) (2,914 ) Property, plant and equipment (73 ) (186 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (2,838 ) (3,100 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (1,922 ) $ (2,414 ) The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2015 17 2015. 2015 17 (In thousands) As of December 31, 2018 2017 Noncurrent deferred tax assets $ — $ — Noncurrent deferred tax liability (1,922 ) (2,414 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (1,922 ) $ (2,414 ) The Company’s consolidated gross deferred tax liability relates to intangibles recorded in connection with prior acquisitions. As of December 31, 2018, $1.9 $0.8 As of December 31, 2018 2017, $20.3 $17.7 December 31, 2018, 2017 2016, $2.6 $5.8 $2.7 2018, December 31, 2018, $67.8 $62.8 $2.2 2019 2038. may 382 three 5 50 three 382 may CUI Global files consolidated income tax returns with its domestic subsidiaries for federal and many state jurisdictions in addition to separate subsidiary income tax returns in Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom. As of December 31, 2018, not no 2015. The Company accounts for income tax uncertainties using a threshold of ‘‘more-likely-than- not’’ 740, Income Taxes 740’’ December 31, 2018, not not On December 22, 2017, December 31, 2017 21% 5% December 22, 2017, 26% $887 December 31, 2017, not no may may not December 31, 2017. The Company adopted ASU 2016 09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718 January 1, 2017 no January 1, 2017.

Note 15 - Concentrations

Note 15 - Concentrations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]	15. During 2018, 36% two 10% 24% 12% 2017, 36% two 10% 26% 10%. 2016, 19% one 10% The Company’s major product lines in 2018, 2017 2016 At December 31, 2018, $14.6 no 10% December 31, 2017, $11.0 21% two 11% 10%. There was one 12% 2017 no 10% 2018 2016. With the United Kingdom operations of Orbital, the Company also has foreign revenue and trade accounts receivable concentrations in the United Kingdom of 16% 29%, December 31, 2018. 2017, 17% 28%, 2016, 20% 27%, December 31, 2017 11% December 31, 2016, 11% 10% Currently, 20% 55%

Note 16 - Subsequent Events

Note 16 - Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	16. Management has reviewed for subsequent events and identified the following: Stock Issuances in 2019 On January 14, 2019, three 29,067 $38 first 2019 On March 13, 2019, two first $3 $10 2.00%. April 2019. Also, during March 2019, 20% $345 $655

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include estimates used to review the Company’s goodwill, impairments and estimations of long-lived assets, revenue recognition on cost-to-cost type contracts, allowances for uncollectible accounts, inventory valuation, warranty reserves, valuations of non-cash capital stock issuances and the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable in the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not may
Company Conditions, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Company Conditions The continued delays in shipment of GasPTs on a significant project due to governmental delays and the related slower than expected acceptance of this new disruptive technology has caused a delay in our expected profitability. The Company had losses of $17.3 $12.3 December 31, 2018. December 31, 2018, $124.0 Management believes the Company's present cash flows will not twelve $10.0 April 2019. 16 December 31, 2018, $2.0 $0.6 $16.9 twelve twelve
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CUI Global, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries CUI Inc., CUI Japan, CUI-Canada, CUI Properties, LLC, Orbital Gas Systems, Ltd. and Orbital Gas Systems, North America, Inc. hereafter referred to as the ‘‘Company.’’ Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Accounting Standards Codification (‘‘ASC’’) 820 820’’ 820 three first two may • Level 1 • Level 2 2 • Level 3 The Company determines when a financial instrument transfers between levels based on management’s judgment of the significance of unobservable inputs used to calculate the fair value of the financial instrument. Management believes the carrying amounts of the short-term financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, investment, note receivable, accounts receivable, contract assets, prepaid expense and other assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, contract liabilities, refund liabilities, and other liabilities reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet approximate fair value at December 31, 2018 2017 2 December 31, 2018, zero
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash includes deposits at financial institutions with maturities of three 90 December 31, 2018 2017, $0.3 $0.9 $68 $0.2 December 31, 2018 2017, $0.3 $0.1 $1 $0.1 $67 $0.1 $523 2021.
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Investments and Notes Receivable Test Products International, Inc. ("TPI") is a provider of handheld test and measurement equipment. Through the acquisition of CUI Inc., the Company obtained 352,589 8.94% January 1 March 31, 2014 8.5% September 30, 2015, September 30, 2015, During the first 2016, $0.4 5% June 30, 2019. $17 $18 $19 December 31, 2018, 2017 2016, $10 $16 $37 December 31, 2018, 2017 2016, 2018 2017, $19 $39 December 31, 2018 2017 $318 $330 December 31, 2018 no During 2018, two $655 third 3,
Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Accounts receivable consist of the receivables associated with revenue derived from product sales including present amounts due to contracts accounted for under cost-to-cost method. An allowance for uncollectible accounts is recorded to allow for any amounts that may not $0.2 $0.1 December 31, 2018 2017, 30 Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 2016 (In thousands) For the Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of year $ 135 $ 151 $ 90 Charge (credit) to costs and expenses 33 (13 ) 93 Deductions (1 ) (3 ) (32 ) Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of year $ 167 $ 135 $ 151
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories Inventories consist of finished and unfinished products and are stated at the lower of cost or market through either the first first At December 31, 2018, 2017, (In thousands) As of December 31, 2018 2017 Finished goods $ 10,143 $ 10,792 Raw materials 4,200 3,287 Work-in-process 1,194 759 Inventory reserves (2,495 ) (946 ) Total inventories $ 13,042 $ 13,892 Activity in inventory reserves is as follows: (In thousands) For the Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Inventory reserves, beginning of year $ 946 $ 774 $ 483 Charge to costs and expenses 1,592 138 312 Other (deductions) additions (43 ) 34 (21 ) Inventory reserves, end of year $ 2,495 $ 946 $ 774 In the fourth 2018, $1.4
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Land, Buildings, Improvements, Furniture, Vehicles, Equipment, and Leasehold Improvements Land is recorded at cost and includes expenditures made to ready it for use. Land is considered to have an infinite useful life. Buildings and improvements are recorded at cost. Furniture, vehicles, and equipment are recorded at cost and include major expenditures, which increase productivity or substantially increase useful lives. Leasehold improvements are recorded at cost and are depreciated over the lesser of the lease term, estimated useful life, or ten The cost of buildings, improvements, furniture, vehicles, and equipment is depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes. The estimated useful lives for buildings, improvements, furniture, vehicles, and equipment are as follows: Estimated Useful Life (years) Buildings and improvements 5 to 39 Furniture and equipment 3 to 10 Vehicles 3 to 5 Maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are charged to expenses when incurred. When buildings, improvements, furniture, equipment and vehicles are sold or otherwise disposed of, the asset and related accumulated depreciation are removed from this account, and any gain or loss is included in the statement of operations or as a deferred gain liability on the balance sheets.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets including finite-lived intangible assets are periodically reviewed for impairment whenever circumstances and situations change such that there is an indication that the carrying amounts may not not In the fourth 2018, not two $1.5 $0.1 2019 In 2018, 360 Property, Plant and Equipment not no No 2017 2016.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Identifiable Intangible Assets Intangible assets are stated at cost net of accumulated amortization and impairment. The fair value for intangible assets acquired through acquisitions is measured at the time of acquisition utilizing the following inputs, as needed: 1. Inputs used to measure fair value are unadjusted quote prices available in active markets for the identical assets or liabilities if available. 2. Inputs used to measure fair value, other than quoted prices included in 1, not 3. Inputs used to measure fair value are unobservable inputs supported by little or no 4. Expert appraisal and fair value measurement as completed by third The following are the estimated useful life for the intangible assets: Estimated Useful Life (years) Finite-lived intangible assets Order backlog 2 Trade name - Orbital 10 Trade name - V-Infinity 5 Trade name - CUI-Canada 3 Customer list - Orbital 10 Customer list - CUI-Canada 7 Technology rights 20 (1) Technology-Based Asset - Know How 12 Technology-Based Asset - Software 10 Technology-Based Asset - Power 7 Software 3 to 5 (2) Patents See endnote (3) Other intangible assets See endnote (4) Indefinite-lived intangible assets Trade name - CUI See endnote (5) Customer list - CUI See endnote (5) Patents pending technology See endnote (5) ( 1 Technology rights are amortized over a 20 ( 2 Software assets are recorded at cost and include major expenditures, which increase productivity or substantially increase useful lives. ( 3 Patents are amortized over the life of the patent. Any patents not ( 4 Other intangible assets are amortized over an appropriate useful life, as determined by management in relation to the other intangible asset characteristics. ( 5 Indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed annually for impairment and when circumstances suggest.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Indefinite-Lived Intangibles and Goodwill Assets The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, may one Annual Test. second may not May 31, 2018, 350 30 35 18A 18B. Under current accounting guidance, CUI Global is not not second may not As detailed in ASC 350 20 35 3A, May 31, 2018, not 350 20 35 3C During our review of Goodwill as of May 31, 2018, not The significant changes for the Orbital-UK reporting unit subsequent to the most recent impairment test performed as of December 31, 2017 2018 2018 To test the Orbital-UK reporting unit for impairment as of May 31, 2018, second 2018. one $1.3 second 2018. December 2018 fourth 2018, not May 31, 2018 not 2018 To test the Orbital-UK reporting unit for impairment, the Company used a quantitative test similar to the one May 31, 2018 December 31, 2018. $3.1 fourth 2018, 2018. As of December 31, 2018, December 2017 fourth 2017, not May 31, 2017 2017 2018 To test the Orbital-UK reporting unit for impairment, the Company used a quantitative test. The Company estimated the fair value of the Orbital-UK reporting unit using a blend of a market approach and an income approach, which was deemed to be the most indicative of fair value in an orderly transaction between market participants. Under the income approach, the Company determined fair value based on estimated future cash flows of the Orbital-UK reporting unit discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital, reflecting the overall level of inherent risk of the Orbital-UK reporting unit and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn. The Company based its cash flow projections for the Orbital-UK reporting unit using a forecast of cash flows and a terminal value developed by capitalizing an assumed stabilized cash flow figure. The forecast and related assumptions were derived from an updated financial forecast prepared during the fourth 2017. $3.2 fourth 2017. 2016 2016, no no no no 350 20 35 3C 2016, no
Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Patent Costs The Company estimates the patents it has filed have a future beneficial value; therefore it capitalizes the costs associated with filing for its patents. At the time the patent is approved, the patent costs associated with the patent are amortized over the useful life of the patent. If the patent is not
Accrued Expenses [Policy Text Block]	Accrued expenses Accrued expenses are liabilities that reflect expenses on the statement of operations that have not December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017, $4.9 $4.2 $1.7 $1.9 $1.7 $1.3
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Derivative instruments The Company uses various derivative instruments including forward currency contracts, and interest rate swaps to manage certain exposures. These instruments are entered into under the Company’s corporate risk management policy to minimize exposure and are not not may one ten December 31, 2018, 2017 2016, $129 $111 $113 December 31, 2018, $227
Derivative Liabilities [Policy Text Block]	Derivative Liabilities The Company evaluates embedded conversion features pursuant to FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 815 815’’
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Stock-Based Compensation The Company records its stock-based compensation expense under its stock option plans and also issues stock for services. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation using FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 718 718’’ 718 Stock bonuses issued to employees are recorded at fair value using the market price of the stock on the date of grant and expensed over the vesting period or immediately if fully vested on date of issuance. Employee stock options are recorded at fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The underlying assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model by the Company are taken from publicly available sources including: ( 1 2 3 4 See Note 10 Common stock, stock options and common stock warrants issued to other than employees or directors are also recorded on the basis of their fair value, as required by FASB ASC 505, 505, 505, Common stock issued to other than employees or directors subject to performance (performance based awards) require interpretation to include ASC 505 50 30 13 505
Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Defined Contribution Plans The Company has a 401 60 18 6% $0.5 $0.4 $0.4 2018, 2017 2016, Orbital-UK operates a defined contribution retirement benefit plan for employees who have been employed with the company at least 12 5% $0.3 $0.2 $0.3 2018, 2017, 2016,
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition On January 1, 2018, 606, January 1, 2018. not January 1, 2018 $1.9 $2.8 0.9 As a result of the adoption of ASC 606, December 31, 2017 10 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2017 Captions in December 31, 2017 balance sheet within Form 10 Reclassified to Captions in December 31, 2017 consolidated balance sheet herein Costs in excess of billings Contract assets Billings in excess of costs Contract liabilities Unearned revenue Contract liabilities Unearned revenue Refund liabilities Changes in these accounts as reclassified are reflected on the consolidated statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 2016. January 1, 2018, 606 606" not December 31, 2017. January 1, 2018 606, not 606 January 1, 2018 (in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2017 Adjustments Due to ASC 606 Balance at January 1, 2018 Balance Sheet Assets: Inventories $ 13,892 $ (1,064 ) $ 12,828 Contract assets 2,299 (516 ) 1,783 Total current assets 41,276 (1,580 ) 39,696 Total assets $ 87,909 $ (1,580 ) $ 86,329 Liabilities: Contract liabilities $ 8,829 $ (4,168 ) $ 4,661 Refund liabilities 695 870 1,565 Total current liabilities 18,914 (3,298 ) 15,616 Deferred tax liabilities 2,414 (173 ) 2,241 Total liabilities 30,423 (3,471 ) 26,952 Stockholders' Equity: Accumulated deficit (108,559 ) 1,891 (106,668 ) Total stockholders' equity 57,486 1,891 59,377 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 87,909 $ (1,580 ) $ 86,329 The impact of adoption on our consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of operations as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018 (In thousands, except per share amounts) For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 As Reported Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606 Effect of Change Higher / (Lower) Statement of Operations Total revenues $ 96,789 $ 91,417 $ 5,372 Cost of revenues 67,879 64,495 3,384 Gross profit 28,910 26,922 1,988 Loss from operations (16,778 ) (18,766 ) 1,988 Loss before taxes (17,531 ) (19,519 ) 1,988 Income tax (benefit) expense (206 ) (462 ) 256 Net loss $ (17,325 ) $ (19,057 ) $ 1,732 Basic and diluted loss per common share $ (0.61 ) $ (0.67 ) $ 0.06 (in thousands) As of December 31, 2018 As Reported Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606 Effect of Change Higher / (Lower) Balance Sheet Assets: Inventories $ 13,042 $ 17,578 $ (4,536 ) Contract assets 1,744 2,109 (365 ) Total current assets 35,481 40,382 (4,901 ) Total assets $ 70,167 $ 75,068 $ (4,901 ) Liabilities: Contract liabilities $ 2,226 $ 12,203 $ (9,977 ) Refund liabilities 2,417 1,063 1,354 Total current liabilities 18,586 27,209 (8,623 ) Deferred tax liabilities 1,922 1,823 99 Total liabilities 28,629 37,153 (8,524 ) Stockholders' Equity: Accumulated deficit (123,993 ) (127,616 ) 3,623 Total stockholders' equity 41,538 37,915 3,623 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 70,167 $ 75,068 $ (4,901 ) The adoption of ASC 606 no Power and Electromechanical segment The Power and Electromechanical segment generates its revenue from two power supply solutions components Energy segment The Energy segment subsidiaries, collectively referred to as Orbital Gas Systems (Orbital), generate their revenue from a portfolio of products, services and resources that offer a diverse range of personalized gas engineering solutions to the gas utilities, power generation, petrochemical, emissions, manufacturing and automotive industries, among others. Orbital accounts for a majority of its contract revenue proportionately over time. For our performance obligations satisfied over time, we recognize revenue by measuring the progress toward complete satisfaction of that performance obligation. The selection of the method to measure progress towards completion can be either an input method or an output method and requires judgment based on the nature of the goods or services to be provided. For our construction contracts, revenue is generally recognized over time as our performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls. Our fixed price construction projects generally use a cost-to-cost input method to measure our progress towards complete satisfaction of the performance obligation as we believe it best depicts the transfer of control to the customer. Under the cost-to-cost measure of progress, the extent of progress towards completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. The timing of revenue recognition for Energy products also depends on the payment terms of the contract, as our performance does not not For our service contracts, revenue is also generally recognized over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of our performance as we perform the service. For our fixed price service contracts with specified service periods, revenue is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over such service period when our inputs are expended evenly, and the customer receives and consumes the benefits of our performance throughout the contract term. For certain of our revenue streams, such as call-out repair and service work, and outage services, that are performed under time and materials contracts, our progress towards complete satisfaction of such performance obligations is measured using an output method as the customer receives and consumes the benefits of our performance completed to date. Due to uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, it is possible that estimates of costs to complete a performance obligation will be revised in the near-term. For those performance obligations for which revenue is recognized using a cost-to-cost input method, changes in total estimated costs, and related progress towards complete satisfaction of the performance obligation, are recognized on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period in which the revisions to the estimates are made. When the current estimate of total costs for a performance obligation indicate a loss, a provision for the entire estimated loss on the unsatisfied performance obligation is made in the period in which the loss becomes evident. Product-type contracts (for example, sale of GasPT units) for which revenue does not Accounts Receivable, Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities Accounts receivable are recognized in the period when our right to consideration is unconditional. Accounts receivable are recognized net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the likelihood of realization of receivables. The timing of revenue recognition may not Contract liabilities from our construction contracts occur when amounts invoiced to our customers exceed revenues recognized under the cost-to-cost measure of progress. Contract liabilities additionally include advanced payments from our customers on certain contracts. Contract liabilities decrease as we recognize revenue from the satisfaction of the related performance obligation and are recorded as either current or long-term, depending upon when we expect to recognize such revenue. Activity in the current contract liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2018 (In thousands) Current contract liabilities - January 1, 2018 $ 4,661 Long-term contract liabilities - January 1, 2018 (1) 84 Total contract liabilities - January 1, 2018 $ 4,745 Total contract liabilities - January 1, 2018 $ 4,745 Contract additions, net 2,168 Revenue recognized (4,356 ) Translation (202 ) Total contract liabilities - December 31, 2018 $ 2,355 Current contract liabilities - December 31, 2018 $ 2,226 Long-term contract liabilities - December 31, 2018 (1) 129 Total contract liabilities - December 31, 2018 $ 2,355 ( 1 Refund Liabilities and Corresponding Inventory Adjustment Refund liabilities primarily represent estimated future new product introduction returns and estimated future scrap returns. Estimated future returns and allowances are reserved based on historical return rates. In addition to the refund liabilities recorded for future returns, the Company also records an adjustment to inventory and corresponding adjustment to cost of revenue for the Company's right to recover products from customers upon settling the refund liability. Performance Obligations Remaining Performance Obligations Remaining performance obligations, represents the transaction price of firm orders for which work has not December 31, 2018, 12 Any adjustments to net revenues, cost of revenues, and the related impact to operating income are recognized as necessary in the period they become known. These adjustments may may may not one one Performance Obligations Satisfied Over Time To determine the proper revenue recognition method for contracts for our Energy segment, we evaluate whether a single contract should be accounted for as more than one For most of our contracts, the customer contracts with us to provide a significant service of integrating a complex set of tasks and components into a single project or capability (even if that single project results in the delivery of multiple units). Hence, the entire contract is accounted for as one may one one Performance Obligations Satisfied at a Point in Time. Revenue from goods and services transferred to customers at a single point in time accounted for 84% December 31, 2018. Variable Consideration The nature of our contracts gives rise to several types of variable consideration, including new product introduction returns and scrap return allowances primarily in our Power and Electromechanical segment. In rare instances in our Energy segment, we include in our contract estimates, additional revenue for submitted contract modifications or claims against the customer when we believe we have an enforceable right to the modification or claim, the amount can be estimated reliably and its realization is probable. In evaluating these criteria, we consider the contractual/legal basis for the claim, the cause of any additional costs incurred, the reasonableness of those costs and the objective evidence available to support the claim. We include new product introduction and scrap return estimates in our calculation of net revenue when there is a basis to reasonably estimate the amount of the returns. These estimates are based on historical return experience, anticipated returns and our best judgment at the time. These amounts are included in our calculation of net revenue recorded for our contracts and the associated remaining performance obligations. The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by revenue source for the year ended December 31, 2018: (In thousands) Power and Electromechanical Energy Total Distributor sales $ 43,795 $ — $ 43,795 Direct Sales 32,652 20,342 52,994 Total revenues $ 76,447 $ 20,342 $ 96,789 The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by timing of revenue recognition for the year ended December 31, 2018: (In thousands) Power and Electromechanical Energy Total Revenues recognized at point in time $ 76,447 $ 4,391 $ 80,838 Revenues recognized over time — 15,951 15,951 Total revenues $ 76,447 $ 20,342 $ 96,789 The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by region for the year ended December 31, 2018: (In thousands) Power and Electromechanical Energy Total North America $ 58,006 $ 4,311 $ 62,317 Europe 4,195 15,620 19,815 Asia 13,727 205 13,932 Other 519 206 725 Total revenues $ 76,447 $ 20,342 $ 96,789 Revenue Recognition - 2017 2016 As discussed above, ASC 606 2017 2016 not 606. 2017 2016, Power and Electromechanical segment Product revenue was recognized in the period when persuasive evidence of an arrangement with a customer existed, the products were shipped and title had transferred to the customer, the price was fixed or determinable, and collection was reasonably assured. The Company sells to distributors pursuant to distribution agreements that have certain terms and conditions such as the right of return and price protection, which inhibited revenue recognition unless they could be reasonably estimated as we could not one 26% 2017, three 15% 2017, Energy segment For production-type contracts meeting the Company’s minimum threshold, revenues and related costs on these contracts were recognized using the ‘‘percentage of completion method’’ of accounting in accordance with ASC 605 35, Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production Type Contracts 605 35’’ not not two Production-type contracts that did not 605 35 25 57. no For product sales in the Energy segment, revenue was recognized in the period when persuasive evidence of an arrangement with a customer existed, the products were shipped and title had transferred to the customer, the price was fixed or determinable, and collection was reasonably assured. Revenues from warranty and maintenance activities were recognized ratably over the term of the warranty and maintenance period and the unrecognized portion was recorded as deferred revenue.
Cost of Goods and Services Sold, Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Shipping and Handling Costs Amounts billed to customers in sales transactions related to shipping and handling represent revenues earned for the goods provided and are included in sales, and were approximately $27 $17 $23 December 31, 2018, 2017 2016,
Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Warranty Reserves A warranty reserve liability is recorded based on estimates of future costs on sales recognized. At December 31, 2018 2017, $37 $40
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Advertising The costs incurred for producing and communicating advertising are charged to operations as incurred. Advertising expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 2016 $2.0 $1.8 $1.7 2018, 2017 2016, $0.6 $0.3 $0.3
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method of FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 740 740’’ 740, not not Valuation allowances have been established against all domestic based deferred tax assets and U.K. based deferred tax assets due to uncertainties in the Company’s ability to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods to make realization of such assets more likely than not. not. not The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to its tax positions in income tax expense. CUI Global files consolidated income tax returns with its U.S. based subsidiaries for federal and many state jurisdictions in addition to separate subsidiary income tax returns in Japan, the United Kingdom and Canada. As of December 31, 2018, not no 2015.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Net Loss per Share In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 260 260’’ 2018, 2017 2016, three 2018, 2017 2016. 1,844; 63,602 25,811 December 31, 2018, 2017 2016, 2017 2016. The following table summarizes the number of stock options outstanding excluding amounts applicable to contingent conversion option, which may As of December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Options, outstanding 923,898 964,180 966,681 Any common shares issued as a result of stock options would come from newly issued common shares as granted under our equity incentive plans. The following is the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share: For the Years Ended December 31, (In thousands, except share and per share amounts) 2018 2017 2016 Net loss $ (17,325 ) $ (12,589 ) $ (7,266 ) Basic and diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding 28,517,339 22,397,865 20,897,812 Basic loss per common share $ (0.61 ) $ (0.56 ) $ (0.35 ) Diluted loss per common share $ (0.61 ) $ (0.56 ) $ (0.35 )
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Foreign Currency Translation The financial statements of the Company's foreign offices have been translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with FASB ASC 830, 830 2018, 2017 2016
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Segment Reporting Operating segments are defined in accordance with ASC 280 10 six 280 10. three three not The following information represents segment activity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018: (In thousands) Power and Energy Other Total Revenues from external customers $ 76,447 $ 20,342 $ — $ 96,789 Depreciation and amortization (1) 1,480 1,525 — 3,005 Interest expense 221 23 258 502 Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets — 4,347 — 4,347 Income (loss) from operations 5,332 (17,168 ) (4,942 ) (16,778 ) Segment assets 45,553 19,034 5,580 70,167 Other intangibles assets, net 8,547 5,314 — 13,861 Goodwill 13,089 — — 13,089 Expenditures for segment assets (2) 1,299 235 — 1,534 The following information represents segment activity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017: (In thousands) Power and Electro- mechanical Energy Other Total Revenues from external customers $ 64,432 $ 18,843 $ — $ 83,275 Depreciation and amortization (1) 1,505 1,345 — 2,850 Interest expense 249 1 250 500 Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets 3 3,152 — 3,155 Income (loss) from operations 2,355 (11,366 ) (4,918 ) (13,929 ) Segment assets 49,392 26,512 12,005 87,909 Other intangibles assets, net 8,899 6,669 — 15,568 Goodwill 13,092 4,549 — 17,641 Expenditures for segment assets (2) 955 576 — 1,531 The following information represents segment activity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016: (In thousands) Power and Electro- mechanical Energy Other Total Revenues from external customers $ 58,403 $ 28,058 $ — $ 86,461 Depreciation and amortization (1) 1,445 1,401 2 2,848 Interest expense 221 6 240 467 Income (loss) from operations 645 (1,676 ) (5,479 ) (6,510 ) Segment assets 49,830 29,632 381 79,843 Other intangibles assets, net 9,262 6,939 — 16,201 Goodwill 13,083 7,042 — 20,125 Expenditures for segment assets (2) 1,032 642 — 1,674 ( 1 For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 2016, $0.9 $0.7 $0.5 ( 2 Includes purchases of property, plant and equipment and investment in other intangible assets. The following information represents revenue by country: For the Years Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Amount % Amount % Amount % USA $ 59,319 61 % $ 50,875 61 % $ 46,514 54 % United Kingdom 15,185 16 % 14,522 17 % 17,337 20 % China 5,463 6 % 5,381 7 % 5,930 7 % All Others 16,822 17 % 12,497 15 % 16,680 19 % Total $ 96,789 100 % $ 83,275 100 % $ 86,461 100 % The following information represents long-lived assets (excluding deferred tax assets) by country: As of December 31, (In thousands) 2018 2017 USA $ 23,544 $ 27,662 United Kingdom 9,647 17,739 Other 1,495 1,232 $ 34,686 $ 46,633
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2017 2017 2016 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In August 2018, No. 2018 15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350 40 2018 15" 2018 15 December 15, 2019, 2020. In August 2018, No. 2018 13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820 2018 13” 820, 3 December 15, 2019, 2020. In June 2018, No. 2018 07, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718 2018 07" 718, December 15, 2018, not 2019. In June 2016, No. 2016 13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326 2016 13” 2016 13 December 15, 2019 December 15, 2018. 2020. In February 2016, No. 2016 02, Leases (Topic 842 2016 02’’ 2016 02 December 15, 2018 first 2019. 840 12 Upon adoption, we expect to record a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability for the Company's operating leases where the Company is the lessee. The potential effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements is largely based on the present value of future minimum lease payments, the amount of which will depend upon the population of leases in effect at the date of adoption. The present value of future minimum lease payments totaled $7.8 December 31, 2018. $2.9 January 1, 2019 not

Note 2 - Summary of Significa_2

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	(In thousands) For the Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of year $ 135 $ 151 $ 90 Charge (credit) to costs and expenses 33 (13 ) 93 Deductions (1 ) (3 ) (32 ) Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of year $ 167 $ 135 $ 151
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	(In thousands) As of December 31, 2018 2017 Finished goods $ 10,143 $ 10,792 Raw materials 4,200 3,287 Work-in-process 1,194 759 Inventory reserves (2,495 ) (946 ) Total inventories $ 13,042 $ 13,892
Schedule of Inventory Valuation Reserve [Table Text Block]	(In thousands) For the Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Inventory reserves, beginning of year $ 946 $ 774 $ 483 Charge to costs and expenses 1,592 138 312 Other (deductions) additions (43 ) 34 (21 ) Inventory reserves, end of year $ 2,495 $ 946 $ 774
Schedule of Useful Lives for Property Plant Equipment [Table Text Block]	Estimated Useful Life (years) Buildings and improvements 5 to 39 Furniture and equipment 3 to 10 Vehicles 3 to 5
Schedule of Estimated Useful Life [Table Text Block]	Estimated Useful Life (years) Finite-lived intangible assets Order backlog 2 Trade name - Orbital 10 Trade name - V-Infinity 5 Trade name - CUI-Canada 3 Customer list - Orbital 10 Customer list - CUI-Canada 7 Technology rights 20 (1) Technology-Based Asset - Know How 12 Technology-Based Asset - Software 10 Technology-Based Asset - Power 7 Software 3 to 5 (2) Patents See endnote (3) Other intangible assets See endnote (4) Indefinite-lived intangible assets Trade name - CUI See endnote (5) Customer list - CUI See endnote (5) Patents pending technology See endnote (5)
Cumulative Effect of Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements on Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	(in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2017 Adjustments Due to ASC 606 Balance at January 1, 2018 Balance Sheet Assets: Inventories $ 13,892 $ (1,064 ) $ 12,828 Contract assets 2,299 (516 ) 1,783 Total current assets 41,276 (1,580 ) 39,696 Total assets $ 87,909 $ (1,580 ) $ 86,329 Liabilities: Contract liabilities $ 8,829 $ (4,168 ) $ 4,661 Refund liabilities 695 870 1,565 Total current liabilities 18,914 (3,298 ) 15,616 Deferred tax liabilities 2,414 (173 ) 2,241 Total liabilities 30,423 (3,471 ) 26,952 Stockholders' Equity: Accumulated deficit (108,559 ) 1,891 (106,668 ) Total stockholders' equity 57,486 1,891 59,377 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 87,909 $ (1,580 ) $ 86,329
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]	(In thousands, except per share amounts) For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 As Reported Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606 Effect of Change Higher / (Lower) Statement of Operations Total revenues $ 96,789 $ 91,417 $ 5,372 Cost of revenues 67,879 64,495 3,384 Gross profit 28,910 26,922 1,988 Loss from operations (16,778 ) (18,766 ) 1,988 Loss before taxes (17,531 ) (19,519 ) 1,988 Income tax (benefit) expense (206 ) (462 ) 256 Net loss $ (17,325 ) $ (19,057 ) $ 1,732 Basic and diluted loss per common share $ (0.61 ) $ (0.67 ) $ 0.06 (in thousands) As of December 31, 2018 As Reported Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606 Effect of Change Higher / (Lower) Balance Sheet Assets: Inventories $ 13,042 $ 17,578 $ (4,536 ) Contract assets 1,744 2,109 (365 ) Total current assets 35,481 40,382 (4,901 ) Total assets $ 70,167 $ 75,068 $ (4,901 ) Liabilities: Contract liabilities $ 2,226 $ 12,203 $ (9,977 ) Refund liabilities 2,417 1,063 1,354 Total current liabilities 18,586 27,209 (8,623 ) Deferred tax liabilities 1,922 1,823 99 Total liabilities 28,629 37,153 (8,524 ) Stockholders' Equity: Accumulated deficit (123,993 ) (127,616 ) 3,623 Total stockholders' equity 41,538 37,915 3,623 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 70,167 $ 75,068 $ (4,901 )
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block]	(In thousands) Current contract liabilities - January 1, 2018 $ 4,661 Long-term contract liabilities - January 1, 2018 (1) 84 Total contract liabilities - January 1, 2018 $ 4,745 Total contract liabilities - January 1, 2018 $ 4,745 Contract additions, net 2,168 Revenue recognized (4,356 ) Translation (202 ) Total contract liabilities - December 31, 2018 $ 2,355 Current contract liabilities - December 31, 2018 $ 2,226 Long-term contract liabilities - December 31, 2018 (1) 129 Total contract liabilities - December 31, 2018 $ 2,355
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]	(In thousands) Power and Electromechanical Energy Total Distributor sales $ 43,795 $ — $ 43,795 Direct Sales 32,652 20,342 52,994 Total revenues $ 76,447 $ 20,342 $ 96,789 (In thousands) Power and Electromechanical Energy Total Revenues recognized at point in time $ 76,447 $ 4,391 $ 80,838 Revenues recognized over time — 15,951 15,951 Total revenues $ 76,447 $ 20,342 $ 96,789 (In thousands) Power and Electromechanical Energy Total North America $ 58,006 $ 4,311 $ 62,317 Europe 4,195 15,620 19,815 Asia 13,727 205 13,932 Other 519 206 725 Total revenues $ 76,447 $ 20,342 $ 96,789
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Options, outstanding 923,898 964,180 966,681
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	For the Years Ended December 31, (In thousands, except share and per share amounts) 2018 2017 2016 Net loss $ (17,325 ) $ (12,589 ) $ (7,266 ) Basic and diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding 28,517,339 22,397,865 20,897,812 Basic loss per common share $ (0.61 ) $ (0.56 ) $ (0.35 ) Diluted loss per common share $ (0.61 ) $ (0.56 ) $ (0.35 )
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	(In thousands) Power and Energy Other Total Revenues from external customers $ 76,447 $ 20,342 $ — $ 96,789 Depreciation and amortization (1) 1,480 1,525 — 3,005 Interest expense 221 23 258 502 Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets — 4,347 — 4,347 Income (loss) from operations 5,332 (17,168 ) (4,942 ) (16,778 ) Segment assets 45,553 19,034 5,580 70,167 Other intangibles assets, net 8,547 5,314 — 13,861 Goodwill 13,089 — — 13,089 Expenditures for segment assets (2) 1,299 235 — 1,534 (In thousands) Power and Electro- mechanical Energy Other Total Revenues from external customers $ 64,432 $ 18,843 $ — $ 83,275 Depreciation and amortization (1) 1,505 1,345 — 2,850 Interest expense 249 1 250 500 Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets 3 3,152 — 3,155 Income (loss) from operations 2,355 (11,366 ) (4,918 ) (13,929 ) Segment assets 49,392 26,512 12,005 87,909 Other intangibles assets, net 8,899 6,669 — 15,568 Goodwill 13,092 4,549 — 17,641 Expenditures for segment assets (2) 955 576 — 1,531 (In thousands) Power and Electro- mechanical Energy Other Total Revenues from external customers $ 58,403 $ 28,058 $ — $ 86,461 Depreciation and amortization (1) 1,445 1,401 2 2,848 Interest expense 221 6 240 467 Income (loss) from operations 645 (1,676 ) (5,479 ) (6,510 ) Segment assets 49,830 29,632 381 79,843 Other intangibles assets, net 9,262 6,939 — 16,201 Goodwill 13,083 7,042 — 20,125 Expenditures for segment assets (2) 1,032 642 — 1,674
Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block]	For the Years Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Amount % Amount % Amount % USA $ 59,319 61 % $ 50,875 61 % $ 46,514 54 % United Kingdom 15,185 16 % 14,522 17 % 17,337 20 % China 5,463 6 % 5,381 7 % 5,930 7 % All Others 16,822 17 % 12,497 15 % 16,680 19 % Total $ 96,789 100 % $ 83,275 100 % $ 86,461 100 %
Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, (In thousands) 2018 2017 USA $ 23,544 $ 27,662 United Kingdom 9,647 17,739 Other 1,495 1,232 $ 34,686 $ 46,633

Note 3 - Investments and Fair_2

Note 3 - Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table Text Block]	(In thousands) December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money market securities $ 16 $ — $ — $ 16 Certificate of deposit - restricted cash 523 — — 523 Certificate of deposit - restricted investment (1) 400 — — 400 Convertible notes receivable — — 655 655 Total assets $ 939 $ — $ 655 $ 1,594 December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money market securities $ 16 $ — $ — $ 16 Total assets $ 16 $ — $ — $ 16 Derivative instrument payable $ — $ 356 $ — $ 356 Contingent consideration — — 45 45 Total liabilities $ — $ 356 $ 45 $ 401
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	(In thousands) Contingent Convertible Notes Consideration Receivable Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 45 $ — Payments (45 ) — Investments — 655 Fair value adjustments — — Balance at December 31, 2018 $ — $ 655

Note 4 - Property and Equipme_2

Note 4 - Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	At December 31, (In thousands) 2018 2017 Land $ 382 $ 1,205 Buildings and improvements 4,085 8,476 Equipment 5,740 5,716 Property and equipment, gross 10,207 15,397 Less accumulated depreciation (4,234 ) (4,155 ) Property and equipment, net $ 5,973 $ 11,242

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other I_2

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2018 Identifiable Intangible December 31, 2017 Identifiable Intangible (In thousands) *Estimated Gross Assets, less Gross Assets, less Useful Carrying Accumulated Accumulated Carrying Accumulated Accumulated Life (years) Amount Amortization Amortization Amount Amortization Amortization Finite-lived intangible assets Power and Electromechanical Segment: Trademark and trade name - V-Infinity 5 $ 1,095 $ (1,095 ) $ — $ 1,095 $ (1,095 ) $ — Trademark and trade name - AMP Group 3 28 (28 ) — 27 (23 ) 4 Trademark and trade name - CUI-Canada 3 128 (128 ) — 128 (121 ) 7 Technology rights 7 and 20** 1,291 (746 ) 545 1,291 (578 ) 713 Computer software 3 to 5 956 (857 ) 99 971 (850 ) 121 Product certifications 3 1,667 (1,187 ) 480 1,412 (820 ) 592 Customer relationships - CUI-Canada 7 267 (146 ) 121 267 (108 ) 159 Other intangible assets *** 114 (114 ) — 114 (113 ) 1 Total Power and Electromechanical Segment 5,546 (4,301 ) 1,245 5,305 (3,708 ) 1,597 Energy Segment: Order backlog 2 2,837 (2,837 ) — 3,006 (3,006 ) — Trade name - Orbital-UK 10 1,526 (877 ) 649 1,616 (768 ) 848 Customer list - Orbital-UK 10 5,931 (3,411 ) 2,520 6,284 (2,985 ) 3,299 Technology rights 20 318 (173 ) 145 337 (150 ) 187 Technology-Based Asset - Know How 12 2,403 (1,151 ) 1,252 2,546 (1,008 ) 1,538 Technology-Based Asset - Software 10 521 (300 ) 221 552 (262 ) 290 Computer software 3 to 5 667 (140 ) 527 520 (13 ) 507 Other intangible assets *** — — — — — — Total Energy Segment 14,203 (8,889 ) 5,314 14,861 (8,192 ) 6,669 Indefinite-lived intangible assets Power and Electromechanical Segment: Trade mark and trade name - CUI Inc. 4,893 — 4,893 4,893 — 4,893 Customer list - CUI Inc. 1,857 — 1,857 1,857 — 1,857 Patents pending - Technology 552 — 552 552 — 552 7,302 — 7,302 7,302 — 7,302 Total Identifiable other intangible assets $ 27,051 $ (13,190 ) $ 13,861 $ 27,468 $ (11,900 ) $ 15,568
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	For the Years Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Trademarks and trade name 172 316 434 Customer lists/relationships 660 638 669 Technology rights 201 198 193 Technology-based assets 264 255 269 Computer software 191 83 76 Product certifications 413 343 260 Other intangibles 1 8 22 Total amortization $ 1,902 $ 1,841 $ 1,923
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	For the Years Ending December 31, (In thousands) 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 and thereafter Totals Trademarks and trade name $ 153 $ 153 $ 153 $ 153 $ 37 $ — $ 649 Customer lists/relationships 631 631 631 600 148 — 2,641 Technology rights 191 183 183 65 28 40 690 Technology-based assets 252 252 252 252 214 251 1,473 Computer software 222 197 110 77 20 — 626 Product certifications 287 154 39 — — — 480 Other intangibles — — — — — — — Total amortization $ 1,736 $ 1,570 $ 1,368 $ 1,147 $ 447 $ 291 $ 6,559
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	(In thousands) Power and Electro - mechanical Energy Other Total Balance, December 31, 2016 $ 13,083 $ 7,042 $ — $ 20,125 Currency translation adjustments 9 659 — 668 Goodwill impairment — (3,152 ) — (3,152 ) Balance, December 31, 2017 13,092 4,549 — 17,641 Currency translation adjustments (3 ) (202 ) — (205 ) Goodwill impairment — (4,347 ) — $ (4,347 ) Balance, December 31, 2018 $ 13,089 $ — $ — $ 13,089

Note 6 - Instruments and Risk_2

Note 6 - Instruments and Risk Management (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Derivative Instruments Included in Trading Activities [Table Text Block]	Location of Gain Recognized in Income For the Years Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Interest rate swap: Other income (expense) $ 129 $ 111 $ 113

Note 7 - Notes Payable (Tables)

Note 7 - Notes Payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, (In thousands) 2018 2017 (a) Mortgage note payable $ — $ 3,350 (b) Acquisition Note Payable - related party 5,304 5,304 Ending balance $ 5,304 $ 8,654
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	(In thousands) As of December 31, 2018 2019 $ — 2020 5,304 2021 — 2022 — 2023 — Thereafter — Total $ 5,304

Note 8 - Working Capital Line_2

Note 8 - Working Capital Line of Credit and Overdraft Facility (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block]	(In thousands) Credit Limit December 31, 2018 Balance Expiration Date Interest rate £1,500 pounds sterling ($1,910 at December 31, 2018) $ 1,344 October 5, 2021 Base rate plus a 2.25% margin (2.5% as of December 31, 2018). (In thousands) Credit Limit December 31, 2018 balance Expiration Date Interest rate $ 5,000 (1) $ 979 (2) June 1, 2019 Fixed rate at 2.25% above the LIBOR in effect on the first day of the applicable fixed-rate term, or variable rate at 2.25% above the daily one-month LIBOR rate. (In thousands) CUI Inc. and CUI-Canada General intangibles, net $ 8,546 CUI Inc. and CUI-Canada Accounts receivable, net 9,102 CUI Inc. and CUI-Canada Inventory, net 11,403 CUI Inc. and CUI-Canada Equipment, net 1,438

Note 9 - Commitments and Cont_2

Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Lessee, Operating Lease, Disclosure [Table Text Block]	(In thousands) As of December 31, 2018 2019 $ 1,482 2020 1,129 2021 1,031 2022 1,013 2023 605 Thereafter 3,307 Total $ 8,567

Note 10 - Stockholders' Equity

Note 10 - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block]	(Dollars in thousands) Date of Type of Expense/ Prepaid/ Stock issuance recipient Reason for issuance Total no. of Grant date proceeds January, April, July and October 2018 Vested restricted common stock Expense Four board members Director compensation 72,157 $ 175 January and July 2018 Common stock Expense Three Employees Approved bonuses 68,118 183 (1) July and December 2018 Common stock Expense Related Party, James McKenzie Pursuant to royalty agreement 5,755 14 (1) Total 2018 issuances 146,030 $ 372 (2) (3) (11) January, April, August and October 2017 Vested restricted common stock Expense Four board members Director compensation 49,980 $ 200 January, February and June 2017 Common stock Expense Three Employees Approved bonuses 28,634 182 (4) January and December 2017 Common stock Expense Related party, James McKenzie Pursuant to royalty agreement 3,293 16 (4) January and February 2017 Common stock Expense Two Employees Cashless stock option exercises 245 — (5) May 2017 Common stock Prepaid expense/expense Third-party consultant Strategic investor marketing services 15,000 57 (6) October 2017 Common stock Cash Various third-party shareholders Equity raise 7,392,856 18,905 Total 2017 issuances 7,490,008 $ 19,360 (7) January, April, July and October 2016 Vested restricted common stock Expense Five board members Director compensation 46,854 $ 267 (8) January and July 2016 Vested restricted common stock Expense Four Employees Approved bonuses 56,782 381 (9) January, March September and December 2016 Common stock Expense Related party, James McKenzie Pursuant to royalty agreement 6,275 38 February and April 2016 Common stock Expense Three Employees Cashless stock option exercise 718 — (5) Total 2016 issuances 110,629 $ 686 (10)
Summary of Warrants and Options Issued [Table Text Block]	For the Year Ended December 31, 2016 Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price ($) Weighted Average Remaining Contract Life (years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($ '000) Balance at beginning of year 970,847 $ 6.32 6.54 $ 850 Exercised (2,333 ) 5.46 4 Expired (1,833 ) 5.40 Balance at end of year 966,681 $ 6.32 5.55 751 Exercisable 966,681 $ 6.32 5.55 751 For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price ($) Weighted Average Remaining Contract Life (years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($ '000) Balance at beginning of year 966,681 $ 6.32 5.55 $ 751 Exercised (2,001 ) 5.70 Expired (500 ) 4.58 Balance at end of year 964,180 $ 6.32 4.56 — Exercisable 964,180 $ 6.32 4.56 — For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price ($) Weighted Average Remaining Contract Life (years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($ '000) Balance at beginning of year 964,180 $ 6.32 4.56 $ — Expired (40,282 ) 6.47 Balance at end of year 923,898 $ 6.32 3.64 — Exercisable 923,898 $ 6.32 3.64 —

Note 12 - Accumulated Other C_2

Note 12 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	(In thousands) As of December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Foreign currency translation adjustment $ (4,396 ) $ (3,510 ) $ (5,590 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (4,396 ) $ (3,510 ) $ (5,590 )

Note 13 - Capitalized Interest

Note 13 - Capitalized Interest (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Interest Costs Capitalized [Table Text Block]	(In thousands) For the Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Interest cost incurred $ 511 $ 521 $ 492 Interest cost capitalized - property and equipment (9 ) (21 ) (25 ) Interest expense, net $ 502 $ 500 $ 467

Note 14 - Income Taxes (Tables)

Note 14 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	(In thousands) For the Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 U.S. operations $ (5,187 ) $ (7,420 ) $ (8,442 ) Foreign operations (12,344 ) (6,775 ) 1,214 (Loss) before income taxes $ (17,531 ) $ (14,195 ) $ (7,228 )
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	(In thousands) For the Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Current: Federal $ — $ — $ — State and local 81 60 81 Foreign 65 101 64 Total current provision 146 161 145 Deferred: Federal — (887 ) — State and local — — — Foreign (352 ) (880 ) (107 ) Total deferred (benefit) (352 ) (1,767 ) (107 ) Total income tax (benefit) expense $ (206 ) $ (1,606 ) $ 38
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	(In thousands) For the Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Computed federal income taxes at the statutory rate (benefit) $ (3,681 ) $ (4,826 ) $ (2,457 ) State income taxes (net of federal benefit) 63 39 53 Permanent tax differences (122 ) (262 ) (415 ) Foreign tax rates and tax credits differing from USA 763 887 4 Purchased goodwill impairment 828 1,072 — Research and development credits (202 ) — — Net operating loss and other adjustment (717 ) (256 ) 216 Change in enacted tax rates applied to foreign deferred taxes 242 122 (38 ) Change in valuation allowance 2,620 2,505 2,675 Change in enacted tax rates applied to USA deferred taxes — (887 ) — Total income tax (benefit) provision $ (206 ) $ (1,606 ) $ 38
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	(In thousands) As of December 31, 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 19,754 $ 16,905 Contribution and other carryforwards 197 218 Inventory and accounts receivable reserves 668 549 Other 578 676 Valuation allowance (20,281 ) (17,662 ) Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance 916 686 Deferred tax liabilities Intangible assets (2,765 ) (2,914 ) Property, plant and equipment (73 ) (186 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (2,838 ) (3,100 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (1,922 ) $ (2,414 )
Summary of Deferred Tax Liability Table Text Block]	(In thousands) As of December 31, 2018 2017 Noncurrent deferred tax assets $ — $ — Noncurrent deferred tax liability (1,922 ) (2,414 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (1,922 ) $ (2,414 )

Note 1 - Nature of Operations_2

Note 1 - Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation and Company Conditions (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Number of Reportable Segments	3
Number of Subsidiaries in Reportable Segments	3
Number of Categories in Product Offerings	2
Orbital Gas Systems Limited [Member]
Capital Stock Acquired, Percentage	100.00%
Power and Electromechanical and Energy Segments [Member]
Number of Reportable Segments	2
DigiKey Electronics in Power and Electro Mechanical Segment [Member]
Percentage of Total Revenue	79.00%
Energy Segment [Member]
Percentage of Total Revenue	21.00%

Note 2 - Summary of Significa_3

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) £ in Thousands		Jan. 01, 2018USD ($)	May 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)shares		Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)shares		Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)shares		Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 13, 2019USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Total									$ (17,325,000)		$ (12,589,000)		$ (7,266,000)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Total									(12,283,000)		(9,369,000)		(601,000)
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance		$ (106,668,000)		$ (123,993,000)		$ (108,559,000)			(123,993,000)		(108,559,000)
Working Capital				16,900,000					16,900,000
Cash, Uninsured Amount				300,000					300,000
Cash, FDIC Insured Amount						900,000					900,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents in Foreign Accounts				68,000		200,000			68,000		200,000
Restricted Cash, Noncurrent				523,000					523,000
Proceeds from Collection of Notes Receivable									19,000		39,000
Investment in Convertible Note Receivable, Noncurrent				655,000					655,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Ending Balance				167,000		135,000			167,000		135,000
Inventory Valuation Reserves, Ending Balance				2,495,000		946,000			2,495,000		946,000
Asset Impairment Charges, Total									1,509,000
Reclassified Deposits and Other Assets to Prepaid Assets				100,000					100,000
Asset Impairment Charges, Other than Goodwill											0		0
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment, Total			$ 0						4,347,000		3,155,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss				3,100,000	$ 1,300,000	3,200,000			4,347,000		3,152,000		0	$ 0
Accrued Liabilities, Current, Total				4,851,000		4,186,000			4,851,000		4,186,000
Employee-related Liabilities, Current, Total				1,700,000		1,900,000			1,700,000		1,900,000
Accounts Payable, Trade, Current				1,700,000		1,300,000			1,700,000		1,300,000
Derivative, Gain on Derivative									129,000		111,000		113,000
Payments for Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities									$ 227,000
Number of Categories in Product Offerings									2
Concentration Risk, Percentage									100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax									$ 96,789,000		$ 83,275,000		$ 86,461,000
Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Ending Balance				37,000		40,000			37,000		40,000
Advertising Expense									2,000,000		1,800,000		1,700,000
Advertising Costs Offset Against Revenue									$ 600,000		$ 300,000		$ 300,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services | shares									1,844		63,602		25,811
Number of Operating Segments									6
Number of Reportable Segments									3
Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due, Present Value				7,800,000					$ 7,800,000
Shipping and Handling [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax									$ 27,000		$ 17,000		$ 23,000
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Distributor One [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage											26.00%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Three Distributor Arrangements [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage											15.00%
Transferred at Point in Time [Member]
Percentage of Revenue From Goods and Services									84.00%
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax									$ 80,838,000
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance						1,891,000					$ 1,891,000
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification		1,900,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Payments for Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities									$ 227,000
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life									20 years	[1]	20 years
Deposits and Other Assets [Member]
Asset Impairment Charges, Total				1,500,000
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life									10 years
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Reserve, Inventory [Member]
Inventory Valuation Reserves, Ending Balance				2,495,000		946,000			$ 2,495,000		$ 946,000		774,000	$ 483,000
Energy Segment [Member]
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment, Total									4,347,000		3,152,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss									4,347,000		3,152,000
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax									20,342,000
Energy Segment [Member] | Transferred at Point in Time [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax									$ 4,391,000
Energy Segment [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification		(0.90)
Energy Segment [Member] | Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	[2],[3]								20 years
Energy Segment [Member] | SEC Schedule, 12-09, Reserve, Inventory [Member]
Inventory Valuation Reserves, Ending Balance				1,400,000					$ 1,400,000
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member]
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment, Total											3,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax									76,447,000
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Transferred at Point in Time [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax									$ 76,447,000
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification		$ 2,800,000
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	[3]								20 years
Other Segments [Member]
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment, Total
Goodwill, Impairment Loss
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax									725,000
Other Depreciation and Amortization									900,000		700,000		500,000
Test Products International Inc. [Member]
Note Receivable Interest Rate								5.00%
Investment Income, Interest									17,000		18,000		19,000
Royalty Expense									10,000		16,000		37,000
Proceeds from Collection of Notes Receivable									19,000		39,000
Financing Receivable, Net, Total				318,000		330,000			318,000		330,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Ending Balance						$ 0					$ 0
VPS [Member]
Investment in Convertible Note Receivable, Noncurrent				655,000					655,000
Test Products International Inc. [Member]
Notes Receivable, Related Parties								$ 400,000
Test Products International Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition Number of Shares Owned in Equity Method | shares						352,589					352,589
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage																		8.50%	8.94%
JAPAN
Cash, Uninsured Amount				300,000		$ 100,000			300,000		$ 100,000
Europe [Member]
Cash, Uninsured Amount				1,000		100,000			1,000		100,000
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax									19,815,000
Europe [Member] | Energy Segment [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax									15,620,000
Europe [Member] | Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax									4,195,000
CANADA
Cash, Uninsured Amount				67,000		100,000			67,000		100,000
Mortgage Note Payable [Member]
Secured Debt, Total				0		$ 3,350,000	[4]		0		$ 3,350,000	[4]
Subsequent Event [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance																$ 2,900,000
Wells Fargo Bank N.A [Member] | Multi-currency Variable Rate Overdraft Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity				52,021,000					52,021,000								£ 1,344
CUI Inc And CUI Canada [Member] | Bank of America [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity															$ 10,000,000
CUI, Inc [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match											6.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer									500,000		$ 400,000		400,000
CUI, Inc [Member] | Wells Fargo Bank N.A [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity				2,000,000					2,000,000
CUI, Inc [Member] | Wells Fargo Bank N.A [Member] | Multi-currency Variable Rate Overdraft Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity				$ 600,000					600,000
Orbital [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match											5.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer									$ 300,000		$ 200,000		$ 300,000
[1]	Technology rights are amortized over a 20-year life or the term of the rights agreement.
[2]	All intangibles are reviewed annually for impairment, or sooner if circumstances change.
[3]	Technology rights include $1.0 million of capitalized costs that are related to our CUI-Canada acquisition in March 2015. The CUI-Canada technology rights are amortized over a 7-year life. The rest of the technology rights are amortized over a 20-year life.
[4]	On October 1, 2013, the funding of the purchase of the Company's Tualatin, Oregon corporate offices from Barakel, LLC was completed. The purchase price for this asset was $5.1 million. The purchase was funded, in part, by a promissory note payable to Wells Fargo Bank in the amount of $3.7 million plus interest at the rate of 2% above LIBOR, payable over ten years with a balloon payment due at maturity. It was secured by a deed of trust on the purchased property, which was executed by CUI Properties, LLC and guaranteed by CUI Global, Inc. During 2018 and 2017, the Company made principal payments of approximately $3.4 million and $89 thousand, respectively, against the mortgage promissory note payable. In December 2018, this note was paid off as part of a sale-leaseback transaction. At December 31, 2017, the balance owed on the mortgage promissory note payable was $3.4 million of which $94 thousand and $3.3 million were in current and long-term liabilities, respectively.

Note 2 - Summary of Significa_4

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of year	$ 135	$ 151	$ 90
Charge (credit) to costs and expenses	33	(13)	93
Deductions	(1)	(3)	(32)
Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of year	$ 167	$ 135	$ 151

Note 2 - Summary of Significa_5

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finished goods	$ 10,143		$ 10,792
Raw materials	4,200		3,287
Work-in-process	1,194		759
Inventory reserves	(2,495)		(946)
Total inventories	$ 13,042	$ 12,828	$ 13,892

Note 2 - Summary of Significa_6

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Inventory Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventory reserves	$ 946
Inventory reserves	2,495	$ 946
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Reserve, Inventory [Member]
Inventory reserves	946	774	$ 483
Charge to costs and expenses	1,592	138	312
Other (deductions) additions	(43)	34	(21)
Inventory reserves	$ 2,495	$ 946	$ 774

Note 2 - Summary of Significa_7

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Useful Lives for Buildings, Improvements, Furniture, Vehicles, and Equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Estimated useful life (Year)	5 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Estimated useful life (Year)	39 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Estimated useful life (Year)	3 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Estimated useful life (Year)	10 years
Vehicles [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Estimated useful life (Year)	3 years
Vehicles [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Estimated useful life (Year)	5 years

Note 2 - Summary of Significa_8

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Useful Life for the Intangible Assets (Details)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Tradename - CUI [Member]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[1]
Customer List - CUI [Member]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[1]
Patent Pending Technology [Member]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[1]
Order or Production Backlog [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)		2 years
Trade name - Orbital [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)		10 years
Trade name - V-Infinity [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)		5 years
Tradename - CUI-Canada [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)		3 years
Customer List - Orbital [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)		10 years
Customer List - CUI Canada [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)		7 years
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)		20 years	[2]	20 years
Technology - Based Asset - Know How [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)		12 years
Technology -Based Asset - Software [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)		10 years
Technology - Based Asset - Power [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)		7 years
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)		3 years
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[3]	5 years
Patents [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[4]
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[5]
[1]	Indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed annually for impairment and when circumstances suggest.
[2]	Technology rights are amortized over a 20-year life or the term of the rights agreement.
[3]	Software assets are recorded at cost and include major expenditures, which increase productivity or substantially increase useful lives.
[4]	Patents are amortized over the life of the patent. Any patents not approved will be expensed at that time.
[5]	Other intangible assets are amortized over an appropriate useful life, as determined by management in relation to the other intangible asset characteristics.

Note 2 - Summary of Significa_9

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cumulative Effect of Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements on Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets:
Inventories	$ 13,042	$ 12,828	$ 13,892
Contract assets	1,744	1,783	2,299
Total current assets	35,481	39,696	41,276
Total assets	70,167	86,329	87,909	$ 79,843
us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract
Contract liabilities	2,226	4,661	8,829
Refund liabilities	2,417	1,565	695
Total current liabilities	18,586	15,616	18,914
Deferred tax liabilities	1,922	2,241	2,414
Total liabilities	28,629	26,952	30,423
Stockholders' Equity:
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance	(123,993)	(106,668)	(108,559)
Total stockholders' equity	41,538	59,377	59,377	$ 48,635	$ 59,516
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 70,167	$ 86,329	87,909
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Assets:
Inventories			(1,064)
Contract assets			(516)
Total current assets			(1,580)
Total assets			(1,580)
us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract
Contract liabilities			(4,168)
Refund liabilities			870
Total current liabilities			(3,298)
Deferred tax liabilities			(173)
Total liabilities			(3,471)
Stockholders' Equity:
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance			1,891
Total stockholders' equity			1,891
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity			(1,580)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | Previously Reported [Member]
Stockholders' Equity:
Total stockholders' equity			$ 57,486

Note 2 - Summary of Signific_10

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Impact of New Standard on Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2015
Total revenues	$ 96,789	$ 83,275	$ 86,461
Cost of revenues	67,879	55,406	54,200
Gross profit	28,910	27,869	32,261
Income (loss) from operations	(16,778)	(13,929)	(6,510)
Loss before taxes	(17,531)	(14,195)	(7,228)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(206)	(1,606)	38
Net loss	$ (17,325)	$ (12,589)	$ (7,266)
Basic and diluted loss per common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.61)	$ (0.56)	$ (0.35)
Assets:
Inventories	$ 13,042	$ 13,892		$ 12,828
Contract assets	1,744	2,299		1,783
Total current assets	35,481	41,276		39,696
Total assets	70,167	87,909	$ 79,843	86,329
us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract
Contract liabilities	2,226	8,829		4,661
Refund liabilities	2,417	695		1,565
Total current liabilities	18,586	18,914		15,616
Deferred tax liabilities	1,922	2,414		2,241
Total liabilities	28,629	30,423		26,952
Stockholders' Equity:
Accumulated deficit	(123,993)	(108,559)		(106,668)
Total stockholders' equity	41,538	59,377	$ 48,635	59,377	$ 59,516
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	70,167	87,909		$ 86,329
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Assets:
Inventories		(1,064)
Contract assets		(516)
Total current assets		(1,580)
Total assets		(1,580)
us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract
Contract liabilities		(4,168)
Refund liabilities		870
Total current liabilities		(3,298)
Deferred tax liabilities		(173)
Total liabilities		(3,471)
Stockholders' Equity:
Accumulated deficit		1,891
Total stockholders' equity		1,891
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$ (1,580)
Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member]
Total revenues	91,417
Cost of revenues	64,495
Gross profit	26,922
Income (loss) from operations	(18,766)
Loss before taxes	(19,519)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(462)
Net loss	$ (19,057)
Basic and diluted loss per common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.67)
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
Assets:
Inventories	$ (4,536)
Contract assets	(365)
Total current assets	(4,901)
Total assets	(4,901)
us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract
Contract liabilities	(9,977)
Refund liabilities	1,354
Total current liabilities	(8,623)
Deferred tax liabilities	99
Total liabilities	(8,524)
Stockholders' Equity:
Accumulated deficit	3,623
Total stockholders' equity	3,623
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	(4,901)
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Total revenues	5,372
Cost of revenues	3,384
Gross profit	1,988
Income (loss) from operations	1,988
Loss before taxes	1,988
Income tax (benefit) expense	256
Net loss	$ 1,732
Basic and diluted loss per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.06
Assets:
Inventories	$ 17,578
Contract assets	2,109
Total current assets	40,382
Total assets	75,068
us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract
Contract liabilities	12,203
Refund liabilities	1,063
Total current liabilities	27,209
Deferred tax liabilities	1,823
Total liabilities	37,153
Stockholders' Equity:
Accumulated deficit	(127,616)
Total stockholders' equity	37,915
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 75,068

Note 2 - Summary of Signific_11

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current contract liabilities		$ 2,226	$ 4,661	$ 8,829
Long-term contract liabilities	[1]	129	$ 84
Contract liabilities, beginning balance		4,745
Contract additions, net		2,168
Revenue recognized		(4,356)
Translation		(202)
Contract liabilities		$ 2,355
[1]	Long-term contract liabilities are included in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Note 2 - Summary of Signific_12

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenues Disaggregated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenues	$ 96,789	$ 83,275	$ 86,461
North America [Member]
Revenues	62,317
Europe [Member]
Revenues	19,815
Asia [Member]
Revenues	13,932
Transferred at Point in Time [Member]
Revenues	80,838
Transferred over Time [Member]
Revenues	15,951
Power and Electromechanic Segment [Member]
Revenues	76,447
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member]
Revenues	76,447
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | North America [Member]
Revenues	58,006
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Europe [Member]
Revenues	4,195
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Asia [Member]
Revenues	13,727
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Other Regions [Member]
Revenues	519
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Transferred at Point in Time [Member]
Revenues	76,447
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Transferred over Time [Member]
Revenues
Energy Segment [Member]
Revenues	20,342
Energy Segment [Member] | North America [Member]
Revenues	4,311
Energy Segment [Member] | Europe [Member]
Revenues	15,620
Energy Segment [Member] | Asia [Member]
Revenues	205
Energy Segment [Member] | Other Regions [Member]
Revenues	206
Energy Segment [Member] | Transferred at Point in Time [Member]
Revenues	4,391
Energy Segment [Member] | Transferred over Time [Member]
Revenues	15,951
Other Segments [Member]
Revenues	725
Distributor Sales [Member]
Revenues	43,795
Distributor Sales [Member] | Power and Electromechanic Segment [Member]
Revenues	43,795
Distributor Sales [Member] | Energy Segment [Member]
Revenues
Direct Sales [Member]
Revenues	52,994
Direct Sales [Member] | Power and Electromechanic Segment [Member]
Revenues	32,652
Direct Sales [Member] | Energy Segment [Member]
Revenues	$ 20,342

Note 2 - Summary of Signific_13

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Potential Common Stock Shares (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Options, outstanding (in shares)	923,898	964,180	966,681

Note 2 - Summary of Signific_14

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net loss	$ (17,325)	$ (12,589)	$ (7,266)
Basic and diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding (in shares)	28,517,339	22,397,865	20,897,812
Basic loss per common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.61)	$ (0.56)	$ (0.35)
Diluted loss per common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.61)	$ (0.56)	$ (0.35)

Note 2 - Summary of Signific_15

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Segment Activity (Details) - USD ($)		May 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2018
Revenues from external customers			$ 96,789,000	$ 83,275,000	$ 86,461,000
Depreciation and amortization (1)	[1]		3,005,000	2,850,000	2,848,000
Interest expense			502,000	500,000	467,000
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets		$ 0	4,347,000	3,155,000
Income (loss) from operations			(16,778,000)	(13,929,000)	(6,510,000)
Segment assets			70,167,000	87,909,000	79,843,000	$ 86,329,000
Other intangibles assets, net			13,861,000	15,568,000	16,201,000
Goodwill			13,089,000	17,641,000	20,125,000
Expenditures for segment assets (2)	[2]		1,534,000	1,531,000	1,674,000
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member]
Revenues from external customers			76,447,000	64,432,000	58,403,000
Depreciation and amortization (1)	[1]		1,480,000	1,505,000	1,445,000
Interest expense			221,000	249,000	221,000
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets				3,000
Income (loss) from operations			5,332,000	2,355,000	645,000
Segment assets			45,553,000	49,392,000	49,830,000
Other intangibles assets, net			8,547,000	8,899,000	9,262,000
Goodwill			13,089,000	13,092,000	13,083,000
Expenditures for segment assets (2)	[2]		1,299,000	955,000	1,032,000
Energy Segment [Member]
Revenues from external customers			20,342,000	18,843,000	28,058,000
Depreciation and amortization (1)	[1]		1,525,000	1,345,000	1,401,000
Interest expense			23,000	1,000	6,000
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets			4,347,000	3,152,000
Income (loss) from operations			(17,168,000)	(11,366,000)	(1,676,000)
Segment assets			19,034,000	26,512,000	29,632,000
Other intangibles assets, net			5,314,000	6,669,000	6,939,000
Goodwill				4,549,000	7,042,000
Expenditures for segment assets (2)	[2]		235,000	576,000	642,000
Other Segments [Member]
Revenues from external customers
Depreciation and amortization (1)	[1]				2,000
Interest expense			258,000	250,000	240,000
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
Income (loss) from operations			(4,942,000)	(4,918,000)	(5,479,000)
Segment assets			5,580,000	12,005,000	381,000
Other intangibles assets, net
Goodwill
Expenditures for segment assets (2)	[2]
[1]	For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, depreciation and amortization totals included $0.7 million, $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively that were classified as cost of revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
[2]	Includes purchases of property, plant and equipment and investment in other intangible assets.

Note 2 - Summary of Signific_16

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue By Country (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenue, amount	$ 96,789	$ 83,275	$ 86,461
Revenue, percent	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
UNITED STATES
Revenue, amount	$ 59,319	$ 50,875	$ 46,514
Revenue, percent	61.00%	61.00%	54.00%
UNITED KINGDOM
Revenue, amount	$ 15,185	$ 14,522	$ 17,337
Revenue, percent	16.00%	17.00%	20.00%
CHINA
Revenue, amount	$ 5,463	$ 5,381	$ 5,930
Revenue, percent	6.00%	7.00%	7.00%
All Others [Member]
Revenue, amount	$ 16,822	$ 12,497	$ 16,680
Revenue, percent	17.00%	15.00%	19.00%

Note 2 - Summary of Signific_17

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Long-lived Assets By Country (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Long-lived Assets	$ 34,686	$ 46,633
UNITED STATES
Long-lived Assets	23,544	27,662
UNITED KINGDOM
Long-lived Assets	9,647	17,739
All Others [Member]
Long-lived Assets	$ 1,495	$ 1,232

Note 3 - Investments and Fair_3

Note 3 - Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Convertible Note Receivable One [Member]
Receivables, Fair Value Disclosure, Total	$ 500,000
Convertible Note Receivable Two [Member]
Receivables, Fair Value Disclosure, Total	$ 155,000

Note 3 - Investments and Fair_4

Note 3 - Investments and Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Hierarchy for Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets, fair value disclosure		$ 1,594	$ 16
Liabilities, fair value disclosure			401
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member]
Liabilities, fair value disclosure			356
Contingent Consideration [Member]
Liabilities, fair value disclosure			45
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, fair value disclosure		939	16
Liabilities, fair value disclosure
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member]
Liabilities, fair value disclosure
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Contingent Consideration [Member]
Liabilities, fair value disclosure
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, fair value disclosure
Liabilities, fair value disclosure			356
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member]
Liabilities, fair value disclosure			356
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Contingent Consideration [Member]
Liabilities, fair value disclosure
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, fair value disclosure		655
Liabilities, fair value disclosure			45
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member]
Liabilities, fair value disclosure
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Contingent Consideration [Member]
Liabilities, fair value disclosure			45
Money Market Funds [Member]
Assets, fair value disclosure		16	16
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, fair value disclosure		16	16
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, fair value disclosure
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, fair value disclosure
Certificates of Deposit, Restricted Cash [Member]
Assets, fair value disclosure		523
Certificates of Deposit, Restricted Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, fair value disclosure		523
Certificates of Deposit, Restricted Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, fair value disclosure
Certificates of Deposit, Restricted Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, fair value disclosure
Certificates of Deposit, Restricted Investment [Member]
Assets, fair value disclosure	[1]	400
Certificates of Deposit, Restricted Investment [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, fair value disclosure	[1]	400
Certificates of Deposit, Restricted Investment [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, fair value disclosure	[1]
Certificates of Deposit, Restricted Investment [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, fair value disclosure	[1]
Investment in Convertible Note Receivable [Member]
Assets, fair value disclosure		655
Investment in Convertible Note Receivable [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets, fair value disclosure
Investment in Convertible Note Receivable [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets, fair value disclosure
Investment in Convertible Note Receivable [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, fair value disclosure		$ 655
[1]	Investment is a 12-month certificate of deposit classified as available for sale and included in Deposits and other assets on the balance sheet.

Note 3 - Investments and Fair_5

Note 3 - Investments and Fair Value Measurements - Contingent Consideration (Details) - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Investment in Convertible Note Receivable [Member]
Balance, assets
Payments, liabilities
Investments	655
Fair value adjustments, liabilities
Balance, assets	655
Contingent Consideration [Member]
Balance, liabilities	45
Payments, liabilities	(45)
Investments
Fair value adjustments, liabilities
Balance, liabilities

Note 4 - Property and Equipme_3

Note 4 - Property and Equipment, Net (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Depreciation, Total	$ 1,103	$ 1,009	$ 925
Property, Plant and Equipment, Disposals	5,700	300
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Sale or Disposal of Property, Plant and Equipment	900	$ 300
Proceeds from Sale of Buildings	$ 8,100
Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	10 years
Deferred Gain on Sale of Building	$ 2,900
Sale of Building, Expenses	$ 400

Note 4 - Property and Equipme_4

Note 4 - Property and Equipment, Net - Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, and equipment	$ 10,207	$ 15,397
Less accumulated depreciation	(4,234)	(4,155)
Property and equipment, less accumulated depreciation of $4,234 and $4,155, respectively	5,973	11,242
Land [Member]
Property, and equipment	382	1,205
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, and equipment	4,085	8,476
Equipment [Member]
Property, and equipment	$ 5,740	$ 5,716

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other I_3

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill), Total	$ 0
CUI Canada Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross, Total	$ 1,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	7 years
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	20 years	[1]	20 years
[1]	Technology rights are amortized over a 20-year life or the term of the rights agreement.

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other I_4

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization		$ (13,190)		$ (11,900)
Totals		6,559
Total Identifiable other intangible assets, gross		27,051		27,468
Other intangibles assets, net		$ 13,861		$ 15,568	$ 16,201
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)		20 years	[1]	20 years
Totals		$ 690
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Totals		$ 626
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)		3 years
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[2]	5 years
Product Certification [Member]
Totals		$ 480
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[3]
Totals
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member]
Finite-lived intangible asset, gross		5,546		$ 5,305
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization		(4,301)		(3,708)
Totals		$ 1,245		1,597
Order or Production Backlog [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)		2 years
Trade name - Orbital [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)		10 years
Customer List - Orbital [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)		10 years
Technology - Based Asset - Know How [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)		12 years
Technology -Based Asset - Software [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)		10 years
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		$ 7,302		7,302
Other intangibles assets, net		8,547		8,899	9,262
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Trademark and Tradename CUI [Member]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		4,893		4,893
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Customer List - CUI [Member]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		1,857		1,857
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Patent Pending Technology [Member]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		$ 552		552
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Trademarks and Tradenames V Infinity [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)		5 years
Finite-lived intangible asset, gross		$ 1,095		1,095
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization		(1,095)		(1,095)
Totals
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Trademark And Tradename AMP Group [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[4]	3 years
Finite-lived intangible asset, gross		$ 28		27
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization		(28)		(23)
Totals				4
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Trademark And Tradename CUI Canada [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[4]	3 years
Finite-lived intangible asset, gross		$ 128		128
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization		(128)		(121)
Totals				7
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-lived intangible asset, gross		1,291		1,291
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization		(746)		(578)
Totals		$ 545		713
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Developed Technology Rights [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[5]	7 years
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Developed Technology Rights [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[5]	20 years
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Finite-lived intangible asset, gross		$ 956		971
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization		(857)		(850)
Totals		$ 99		121
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[4]	3 years
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[4]	5 years
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Product Certification [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[4]	3 years
Finite-lived intangible asset, gross		$ 1,667		1,412
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization		(1,187)		(820)
Totals		$ 480		592
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[4]	7 years
Finite-lived intangible asset, gross		$ 267		267
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization		(146)		(108)
Totals		$ 121		159
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[6]
Finite-lived intangible asset, gross		$ 114		114
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization		(114)		(113)
Totals				1
Energy Segment [Member]
Finite-lived intangible asset, gross		14,203		14,861
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization		(8,889)		(8,192)
Totals		5,314		6,669
Other intangibles assets, net		$ 5,314		6,669	$ 6,939
Energy Segment [Member] | Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[4],[5]	20 years
Finite-lived intangible asset, gross		$ 318		337
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization		(173)		(150)
Totals		145		187
Energy Segment [Member] | Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Finite-lived intangible asset, gross		667		520
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization		(140)		(13)
Totals		$ 527		507
Energy Segment [Member] | Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[4]	3 years
Energy Segment [Member] | Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[4]	5 years
Energy Segment [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[6]
Finite-lived intangible asset, gross
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization
Totals
Energy Segment [Member] | Order or Production Backlog [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[4]	2 years
Finite-lived intangible asset, gross		$ 2,837		3,006
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization		(2,837)		(3,006)
Totals
Energy Segment [Member] | Trade name - Orbital [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[4]	10 years
Finite-lived intangible asset, gross		$ 1,526		1,616
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization		(877)		(768)
Totals		$ 649		848
Energy Segment [Member] | Customer List - Orbital [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[4]	10 years
Finite-lived intangible asset, gross		$ 5,931		6,284
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization		(3,411)		(2,985)
Totals		$ 2,520		3,299
Energy Segment [Member] | Technology - Based Asset - Know How [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[4]	12 years
Finite-lived intangible asset, gross		$ 2,403		2,546
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization		(1,151)		(1,008)
Totals		$ 1,252		1,538
Energy Segment [Member] | Technology -Based Asset - Software [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets (Year)	[4]	10 years
Finite-lived intangible asset, gross		$ 521		552
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization		(300)		(262)
Totals		$ 221		$ 290
[1]	Technology rights are amortized over a 20-year life or the term of the rights agreement.
[2]	Software assets are recorded at cost and include major expenditures, which increase productivity or substantially increase useful lives.
[3]	Other intangible assets are amortized over an appropriate useful life, as determined by management in relation to the other intangible asset characteristics.
[4]	All intangibles are reviewed annually for impairment, or sooner if circumstances change.
[5]	Technology rights include $1.0 million of capitalized costs that are related to our CUI-Canada acquisition in March 2015. The CUI-Canada technology rights are amortized over a 7-year life. The rest of the technology rights are amortized over a 20-year life.
[6]	Other intangible assets are amortized over an appropriate useful life, as determined by management in relation to the other intangible asset characteristics.

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other I_5

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Intangible asset amortization	$ 1,902	$ 1,841	$ 1,923
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Intangible asset amortization	172	316	434
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Intangible asset amortization	660	638	669
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Intangible asset amortization	201	198	193
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Intangible asset amortization	264	255	269
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Intangible asset amortization	191	83	76
Certification Marks [Member]
Intangible asset amortization	413	343	260
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Intangible asset amortization	$ 1	$ 8	$ 22

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other I_6

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Estimated Future Amortization (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
2019	$ 1,736
2020	1,570
2021	1,368
2022	1,147
2023	447
2024 and thereafter	291
Totals	6,559
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
2019	153
2020	153
2021	153
2022	153
2023	37
2024 and thereafter
Totals	649
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
2019	631
2020	631
2021	631
2022	600
2023	148
2024 and thereafter
Totals	2,641
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
2019	191
2020	183
2021	183
2022	65
2023	28
2024 and thereafter	40
Totals	690
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
2019	252
2020	252
2021	252
2022	252
2023	214
2024 and thereafter	251
Totals	1,473
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
2019	222
2020	197
2021	110
2022	77
2023	20
2024 and thereafter
Totals	626
Product Certification [Member]
2019	287
2020	154
2021	39
2022
2023
2024 and thereafter
Totals	480
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024 and thereafter
Totals

Note 5 - Goodwill and Indefinit

Note 5 - Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangibles - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Balance				$ 17,641,000	$ 20,125,000
Currency translation adjustments				(205,000)	668,000
Goodwill impairment	$ (3,100,000)	$ (1,300,000)	$ (3,200,000)	(4,347,000)	(3,152,000)	$ 0	$ 0
Balance	13,089,000		17,641,000	13,089,000	17,641,000	20,125,000
Power and Electromechanical Segment [Member]
Balance				13,092,000	13,083,000
Currency translation adjustments				(3,000)	9,000
Goodwill impairment
Balance	13,089,000		13,092,000	13,089,000	13,092,000	13,083,000
Energy Segment [Member]
Balance				4,549,000	7,042,000
Currency translation adjustments				(202,000)	659,000
Goodwill impairment				(4,347,000)	(3,152,000)
Balance			4,549,000		4,549,000	7,042,000
Other Segments [Member]
Balance
Currency translation adjustments
Goodwill impairment
Balance

Note 6 - Instruments and Risk_3

Note 6 - Instruments and Risk Management (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Oct. 01, 2013
Derivative, Swaption Interest Rate			6.27%
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held, Total	0	0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative, Term of Contract	1 year
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative, Term of Contract	10 years
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held, Total	0	0

Note 6 - Instruments and Risk_4

Note 6 - Instruments and Risk Management - Foreign Exchange Contracts Statement of Financial Position (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Interest rate swap:	$ 129	$ 111	$ 113

Note 7 - Notes Payable (Details

Note 7 - Notes Payable (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Oct. 01, 2013	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Long-term Debt, Total		$ 5,304
Mortgage Note Payable [Member]
Other Notes Payable, Total	$ 3,700
Debt Instrument, Term	10 years
Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total		$ 3,400	$ 89
Long-term Debt, Total			3,400
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities, Total			94
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities, Total			$ 3,300
Mortgage Note Payable [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%
Convertible Debt [Member] | International Electronic Devices, Inc. [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.00%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price		$ 0.001
Barakel, LLC [Member]
Payments to Acquire Real Estate, Total	$ 5,100

Note 7 - Notes Payable - Summar

Note 7 - Notes Payable - Summary of Notes Payable (Details) - USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Acquisition Note Payable - related party		$ 5,304,000	$ 5,304,000
Ending balance		5,304,000	8,654,000
Mortgage Note Payable [Member]
Mortgage note payable		0	3,350,000	[1]
Convertible Debt [Member]
Acquisition Note Payable - related party	[2]	$ 5,304,000	$ 5,304,000
[1]	On October 1, 2013, the funding of the purchase of the Company's Tualatin, Oregon corporate offices from Barakel, LLC was completed. The purchase price for this asset was $5.1 million. The purchase was funded, in part, by a promissory note payable to Wells Fargo Bank in the amount of $3.7 million plus interest at the rate of 2% above LIBOR, payable over ten years with a balloon payment due at maturity. It was secured by a deed of trust on the purchased property, which was executed by CUI Properties, LLC and guaranteed by CUI Global, Inc. During 2018 and 2017, the Company made principal payments of approximately $3.4 million and $89 thousand, respectively, against the mortgage promissory note payable. In December 2018, this note was paid off as part of a sale-leaseback transaction. At December 31, 2017, the balance owed on the mortgage promissory note payable was $3.4 million of which $94 thousand and $3.3 million were in current and long-term liabilities, respectively.
[2]	The note payable to International Electronic Devices, Inc. (IED) (formerly CUI Inc.) is associated with the acquisition of CUI Inc. The promissory note is due May 15, 2020 and includes a 5% interest rate per annum, with interest payable monthly and the principal due as a balloon payment at maturity. The note contains a contingent conversion feature, such that in the event of default on the note the holder of the note can, at the holder's option, convert the note principal into common stock at $0.001 per share. As of December 31, 2018, the Company is in compliance with all terms of this promissory note and the conversion feature is not effective.

Note 7 - Notes Payable - Maturi

Note 7 - Notes Payable - Maturity of Notes Payable (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
2019
2020	5,304
2021
2022
2023
Thereafter
Total	$ 5,304

Note 8 - Working Capital Line_3

Note 8 - Working Capital Line of Credit and Overdraft Facility (Details Textual) £ in Thousands		Mar. 13, 2019USD ($)	Oct. 05, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018GBP (£)
Multi-currency Variable Rate Overdraft Facility [Member] | Wells Fargo Bank N.A [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Period			5 years
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity				$ 52,021,000	£ 1,344
Multi-currency Variable Rate Overdraft Facility [Member] | Wells Fargo Bank [Member]
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value				2,000,000
Increase (Decrease) in Outstanding Checks, Financing Activities				27,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	[1]			$ 5,000,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate				2.25%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Wells Fargo Bank N.A [Member] | CUI, Inc [Member]
Capital Expenditures Exceed Limit				$ 1,750,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Bank of America [Member] | CUI Inc And CUI Canada [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Sub Limit Borrowing Capacity		$ 3,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 10,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Bank of America [Member] | CUI Inc And CUI Canada [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		2.00%
[1]	$2 million of the line of credit is reserved to guarantee the obligation of Orbital Gas Systems, Ltd. under its Overdraft Facility.

Note 8 - Overdraft Facility and

Note 8 - Overdraft Facility and Working Capital Line of Credit - Revolving Line of Credit (Details) £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2018GBP (£)
General Intangibles [Member] | CUI, Inc [Member]
CUI Inc. and CUI-Canada General intangibles, net	$ 8,546
Accounts Receivable [Member] | CUI, Inc [Member]
CUI Inc. and CUI-Canada General intangibles, net	9,102
Inventory [Member] | CUI, Inc [Member]
CUI Inc. and CUI-Canada General intangibles, net	11,403
Equipment [Member] | CUI, Inc [Member]
CUI Inc. and CUI-Canada General intangibles, net	1,438
Multi-currency Variable Rate Overdraft Facility [Member] | Wells Fargo Bank N.A [Member]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	52,021		£ 1,344
Multi-currency Variable Rate Overdraft Facility [Member] | Wells Fargo Bank [Member]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	5,000	[1]
Line of credit facility	$ 979	[2]
Line of credit facility, expiration date	Jun. 1, 2019
Line of credit facility, Fixed interest rate	2.25%		2.25%
Line of credit facility, variable interest rate	2.25%
[1]	$2 million of the line of credit is reserved to guarantee the obligation of Orbital Gas Systems, Ltd. under its Overdraft Facility.
[2]	As a result of the Company's cash management system, checks issued but not presented to the bank for payment may create negative book cash balances. When those checks are presented for payment if there isn't sufficient cash in the bank account, the checks would be honored by the bank with a corresponding increase to CUI Inc's draw on its line of credit. The balance shown above includes the effect of a $27 thousand negative book cash balance at CUI Inc. as of December 31, 2018.

Note 9 - Commitments and Cont_3

Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Dec. 01, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accrued Royalty and License Fees, Current					$ 17		$ 36
Accrued Liabilities, Current, Total					4,851		4,186
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Monthly Rental Payments					16
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Total	$ 30				32
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Total							900	$ 800
CUI Japan [Member]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Total					3
Office and Warehouse Space in Houston [Member]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Total							10
Toronto Facility [Member]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Total					34
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Monthly Rental Payments			$ 51
External Sales Representatives [Member]
Accrued Liabilities, Current, Total					300		300
Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Salary and Wage, Officer, Excluding Cost of Good and Service Sold					$ 560
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Cash Awards Granted, Percentage					125.00%
Employment Agreements, Severance Package, Term					2 years
Employment Agreements, Cost of Living Adjustments, Percentage					4.00%
Employment Agreements, Maximum Discretionary Bonus, Percentage					25.00%
Employment Agreements, Accrued Employee Compensation					$ 30		33	29
Chief Financial Officer [Member]
Salary and Wage, Officer, Excluding Cost of Good and Service Sold					$ 350
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Cash Awards Granted, Percentage					125.00%
Employment Agreements, Severance Package, Term					1 year 180 days
Employment Agreements, Cost of Living Adjustments, Percentage					4.00%
Employment Agreements, Maximum Discretionary Bonus, Percentage					25.00%
Employment Agreements, Accrued Employee Compensation					$ 21		22	19
Chief Operating Officer [Member]
Salary and Wage, Officer, Excluding Cost of Good and Service Sold					$ 320
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Cash Awards Granted, Percentage					125.00%
Employment Agreements, Severance Package, Term					1 year 180 days
Employment Agreements, Cost of Living Adjustments, Percentage					4.00%
Employment Agreements, Maximum Discretionary Bonus, Percentage					25.00%
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Recorded Liability					$ 18		12	$ 5
President [Member] | Orbital Gas Systems Limited [Member]
Salary and Wage, Officer, Excluding Cost of Good and Service Sold						$ 225
Employment Agreements, Maximum Discretionary Bonus, Percentage					25.00%
Employment Agreements, Accrued Employee Compensation					$ 155		$ 40
Employment Agreements, Term					3 years
Employment Agreements, Signing Bonus					$ 30
President [Member] | Orbital Gas Systems Limited [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Salary and Wage, Officer, Excluding Cost of Good and Service Sold		$ 275		$ 250

Note 9 - Commitments and Cont_4

Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies - Operating Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
2019	$ 1,482
2020	1,129
2021	1,031
2022	1,013
2023	605
Thereafter	3,307
Total	$ 8,567

Note 10 - Stockholders' Equit_2

Note 10 - Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual) - USD ($)

Oct. 23, 2017

Oct. 11, 2010

Jan. 05, 2009

May 16, 2008

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Sep. 21, 2012

Sep. 29, 2009

Sep. 28, 2009

Jan. 08, 2009

Stock Compensation Expense Related to Royalties and Stock Bonuses Accrued But Not Issued

$ 3,000

Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross

372,000

[1],[2],[3]

$ 19,360,000

[4]

$ 686,000

[5]

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues

7,392,856

Shares Issued, Price Per Share

$ 2.80

Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity, Total

$ 18,900,000

$ 18,905,000

Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share

$ 0.001

$ 0.001

Stock or Unit Option Plan Expense

$ 0

$ 0

$ 200,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross

0

0

0

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant

0

2008 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized

1,500,000

3,000,000

1,500,000

2008 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | Incentive Stock Options [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent

110.00%

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period

10 years

2009 Equity Incentive Plan (Executive) [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized

3,060,382

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized

330,000

4,200,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period

10 years

Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share

$ 0.001

Over-Allotment Option [Member]

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues

964,285

Consultant For Strategic Investor Marketing Services [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized

150,000

Director [Member]

Share-based Compensation, Total

$ 38,000

Cash Less Warrant [Member]

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock

$ 0

Prepaid Expenses [Member]

Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross

$ 24,000

$ 24,000

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]

Share-based Compensation, Total

170,000

$ 176,000

Other Expense [Member]

Bonus and Royalty Accrued and Expensed

$ 170

Share-based Compensation, Total

$ 366,000

$ 176,000

[1]

Excludes $24 thousand of stock compensation for stock issued in 2017 that was amortized from prepaid expense in 2018.

[2]

The second phase of a 2014 consulting agreement could result in up to an additional 150,000 shares of common stock being granted subject to sales related performance criteria being achieved. At December 31, 2018, those criteria have not been achieved and no shares have been granted for the second phase of the agreement.

[3]

Total excludes $3 thousand of stock compensation related to royalties that were recorded as expense but not issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018.

[4]

Does not include stock expense of $170 thousand included in accrued liabilities at December 31, 2017 for unissued stock.

[5]

Does not include stock expense of $176 thousand included in accrued liabilities at December 31, 2016.

Note 10 - Stockholders' Equit_3

Note 10 - Stockholders' Equity - Common Stock Issuances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Total no. of shares (in shares)		146,030		7,490,008		110,629
Grant date fair value recorded at issuance		$ 372	[1],[2],[3]	$ 19,360	[4]	$ 686	[5]
Four Board Members [Member] | January, April, July and October 2018 [Member]
Total no. of shares (in shares)		72,157
Grant date fair value recorded at issuance		$ 175
Four Board Members [Member] | January and July 2018 [Member]
Grant date fair value recorded at issuance	[6]	$ 183
Three Employees [Member] | January and July 2018 [Member]
Total no. of shares (in shares)		68,118
James McKenzie, Related Party [Member] | July and December, 2018 [Member]
Total no. of shares (in shares)		5,755
Grant date fair value recorded at issuance	[1]	$ 14
James McKenzie, Related Party [Member] | January, April, August and October 2017 [Member]
Total no. of shares (in shares)				49,980
Grant date fair value recorded at issuance	[7]			$ 200
James McKenzie, Related Party [Member] | January and July 2016 [Member]
Total no. of shares (in shares)						56,782
Grant date fair value recorded at issuance						$ 381
James McKenzie, Related Party [Member] | January, March, September, and December 2016 [Member]
Total no. of shares (in shares)						6,275
Grant date fair value recorded at issuance						$ 38
Three Employee [Member] | January, February and June 2017 [Member]
Total no. of shares (in shares)				28,634
Grant date fair value recorded at issuance	[7]			$ 182
Three Employee [Member] | February and April 2016 [Member]
Total no. of shares (in shares)						718
Grant date fair value recorded at issuance	[8]
Consultants [Member] | January and December 2017 [Member]
Total no. of shares (in shares)				3,293
Grant date fair value recorded at issuance	[9]			$ 16
Two Employees [Member] | January and February 2017 [Member]
Total no. of shares (in shares)				245
Grant date fair value recorded at issuance	[8]
Various Third-party Shareholders [Member] | May 2017 [Member]
Total no. of shares (in shares)				15,000
Grant date fair value recorded at issuance				$ 57
Five Board [Member] | October 2017 [Member]
Total no. of shares (in shares)						7,392,856
Grant date fair value recorded at issuance	[10]					$ 18,905
Four Employee [Member] | January, April, July, and October 2016 [Member]
Total no. of shares (in shares)						46,854
Grant date fair value recorded at issuance	[11]					$ 267
[1]	Excludes $24 thousand of stock compensation for stock issued in 2017 that was amortized from prepaid expense in 2018.
[2]	The second phase of a 2014 consulting agreement could result in up to an additional 150,000 shares of common stock being granted subject to sales related performance criteria being achieved. At December 31, 2018, those criteria have not been achieved and no shares have been granted for the second phase of the agreement.
[3]	Total excludes $3 thousand of stock compensation related to royalties that were recorded as expense but not issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018.
[4]	Does not include stock expense of $170 thousand included in accrued liabilities at December 31, 2017 for unissued stock.
[5]	Does not include stock expense of $176 thousand included in accrued liabilities at December 31, 2016.
[6]	Includes bonus and royalty of $170 thousand that was accrued and expensed in 2017.
[7]	Includes bonuses and royalty of $176 thousand that were accrued and expensed in 2016.
[8]	The Company received $0 for the issuance in the cashless option exercises.
[9]	Amount includes $24 thousand that was included in prepaid expense at December 31, 2017.
[10]	Includes $38 thousand of stock-based expense related to 2015 director fees accrued and expensed in the fourth quarter of 2015.
[11]	Bonuses of $366 thousand were accrued and expensed in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Note 10 - Stockholders' Equit_4

Note 10 - Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Warrants and Options Issued to Employees and Directors (Details) - Employee Stock Options And Warrants [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Balance (in shares)	964,180	966,681	970,847
Balance, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 6.32	$ 6.32	$ 6.32
Balance, weighted average remaining contract life (Year)	3 years 233 days	4 years 204 days	5 years 200 days	6 years 197 days
Balance, aggregate intrinsic value			$ 751	$ 850
Exercised (in shares)		(2,001)	(2,333)
Exercised, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)		$ 5.70	$ 5.46
Exercised, aggregate intrinsic value			$ 4
Expired (in shares)	(40,282)	(500)	(1,833)
Expired, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 6.47	$ 4.58	$ 5.40
Balance (in shares)	923,898	964,180	966,681	970,847
Balance, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 6.32	$ 6.32	$ 6.32	$ 6.32
Exercisable (in shares)	923,898	964,180	966,681
Exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 6.32	$ 6.32	$ 6.32
Exercisable, weighted average remaining contract life (Year)	3 years 233 days	4 years 204 days	5 years 200 days
Exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value			$ 751

Note 11 - Related Party Trans_2

Note 11 - Related Party Transactions (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Salary and Wage, Excluding Cost of Good and Service Sold, Total	$ 213,000	$ 200,000	$ 188,000
Cash Bonus	150,000	150,000	113,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Total			50,000
Other Labor-related Expenses	49,000	41,000	30,000
Employee-related Liabilities, Total	13,000	13,000
Change in Excess of Bonus or Salary	50,000
Test Products International Inc. [Member]
Notes Receivable, Related Parties, Current	300,000
IED, Inc [Member] | Convertible Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Total	$ 300,000	$ 300,000	$ 300,000

Note 12 - Accumulated Other C_3

Note 12 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$ (4,396)	$ (3,510)	$ (5,590)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (4,396)	$ (3,510)	$ (5,590)

Note 13 - Capitalized Interes_2

Note 13 - Capitalized Interest - Components of Interest Expense and Capitalized Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Interest cost incurred	$ 511	$ 521	$ 492
Interest cost capitalized - property and equipment	(9)	(21)	(25)
Interest expense, net	$ 502	$ 500	$ 467

Note 14 - Income Taxes (Details

Note 14 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 22, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets		$ 1,900
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Finite-lived Intangible Assets		800
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Total		20,281	$ 17,662
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount		2,600	(5,800)	$ 2,700
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Total		$ 67,800	62,800	$ 2,200
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent		21.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent, Total	26.00%
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability	$ (887)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross, Total		$ 2,838	3,100
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross, Total			$ 0

Note 14 - Income Taxes - Consol

Note 14 - Income Taxes - Consolidated Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
U.S. operations	$ (5,187)	$ (7,420)	$ (8,442)
Foreign operations	(12,344)	(6,775)	1,214
Loss before taxes	$ (17,531)	$ (14,195)	$ (7,228)

Note 14 - Income Taxes - Income

Note 14 - Income Taxes - Income Tax Provision (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current:
Federal
State and local	81	60	81
Foreign	65	101	64
Total current provision	146	161	145
Deferred:
Federal		(887)
State and local
Foreign	(352)	(880)	(107)
Total deferred (benefit)	(352)	(1,767)	(107)
Total income tax (benefit) expense	$ (206)	$ (1,606)	$ 38

Note 14 - Income Taxes - Reconc

Note 14 - Income Taxes - Reconciliation of the Federal Statutory Tax Rate to the Recorded Tax Provision (benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Computed federal income taxes at the statutory rate (benefit)	$ (3,681)	$ (4,826)	$ (2,457)
State income taxes (net of federal benefit)	63	39	53
Permanent tax differences	(122)	(262)	(415)
Foreign tax rates and tax credits differing from USA	763	887	4
Purchased goodwill impairment	828	1,072
Research and development credits	(202)
Net operating loss and other adjustment	(717)	(256)	216
Change in enacted tax rates applied to foreign deferred taxes	242	122	(38)
Change in valuation allowance	2,620	2,505	2,675
Change in enacted tax rates applied to USA deferred taxes		(887)
Total income tax (benefit) expense	$ (206)	$ (1,606)	$ 38

Note 14 - Income Taxes - Signif

Note 14 - Income Taxes - Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 19,754	$ 16,905
Contribution and other carryforwards	197	218
Inventory and accounts receivable reserves	668	549
Other	578	676
Valuation allowance	(20,281)	(17,662)
Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	916	686
Deferred tax liabilities
Intangible assets	(2,765)	(2,914)
Property, plant and equipment	(73)	(186)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(2,838)	(3,100)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (1,922)	$ (2,414)

Note 14 - Income Taxes - Net De

Note 14 - Income Taxes - Net Deferred Tax Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Noncurrent deferred tax assets
Noncurrent deferred tax liability	(1,922)	$ (2,241)	(2,414)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (1,922)		$ (2,414)

Note 15 - Concentrations (Detai

Note 15 - Concentrations (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Accounts Receivable, Gross	$ 14.6	$ 11
UNITED KINGDOM
Concentration Risk, Percentage	16.00%	17.00%	20.00%
CHINA
Concentration Risk, Percentage	6.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Two Customers [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	36.00%	36.00%
Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Digi Key Electronics [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	24.00%	26.00%	19.00%
Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Future Electronics [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	12.00%	10.00%
Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | UNITED KINGDOM
Concentration Risk, Percentage	16.00%	17.00%	20.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | GL Industrial Services UK Ltd. [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		11.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | DigiKey Electronics in Power and Electro Mechanical Segment [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		10.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Two Customers [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		21.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | UNITED KINGDOM
Concentration Risk, Percentage	29.00%	28.00%	27.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | CANADA
Concentration Risk, Percentage		11.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | CHINA
Concentration Risk, Percentage			11.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | ITALY
Concentration Risk, Percentage			10.00%
Cost of Goods, Total [Member] | Supplier Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	0.00%		0.00%
Cost of Goods, Total [Member] | Supplier Concentration Risk [Member] | One Supplier [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		12.00%
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member] | Labor Force Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	20.00%
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member] | Labor Force Concentration Risk [Member] | CANADA
Concentration Risk, Percentage	55.00%

Note 16 - Subsequent Events (De

Note 16 - Subsequent Events (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Mar. 13, 2019	Jan. 14, 2019	Mar. 17, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services				1,844	63,602	25,811
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Issued for Services					$ 455,000	$ 308,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Conversion of Notes Receivable, Equity Issued			$ 655,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | VPS [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage			20.00%
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments			$ 345,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | CUI Inc And CUI Canada [Member] | Bank of America [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument, Term	2 years
Line of Credit Facility, Sub Limit Borrowing Capacity	$ 3,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 10,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | CUI Inc And CUI Canada [Member] | Bank of America [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Three Independent Board Members [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services		29,067
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Issued for Services		$ 38,000