Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | No te 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  Nature of Business  Tile Shop Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”, and together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, the “Company”) was incorporated in Delaware in June 2012. On August 21, 2012, Holdings consummated the transactions contemplated pursuant to that certain Contribution and Merger Agreement dated as of June 27, 2012, among Holdings, JWC Acquisition Corp., a publicly-held Delaware corporation (“JWCAC”), The Tile Shop, LLC, a privately-held Delaware limited liability company (“The Tile Shop”), and certain other parties. Through a series of transactions, The Tile Shop was contributed to and became a subsidiary of Holdings and Holdings effected a business combination with and became a successor issuer to JWCAC. These transactions are referred to herein as the “Business Combination.”  The Company is a specialty retailer of manufactured and natural stone tiles, setting and maintenance materials, and related accessories in retail locations in the United States. The Company’s assortment includes over 4,000 products from around the world that consist of natural stone, ceramic, porcelain, glass, cement, wood look, and metal tiles. Natural stone products include marble, granite, quartz, sandstone, travertine, slate, and onyx tiles. The majority of the tile products are sold under the Company's proprietary Rush River and Fired Earth brand names . The Company purchases tile products, accessories and tools directly from its network of vendors. The Company manufactures its own setting and maintenance materials, such as thinset, grout, and sealers under the Superior brand name. As of December 31, 2016 , the Company operated 123 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia , with an average size of approximately 21,100 square feet. The Company also sells products on its website.  Basis of Presentation  The consolidated financial statements of Holdings include the accounts of its wholly owned subsidiaries , and variable interest entities, for which the Company is the primary beneficiary . See Note 11, “New Market Tax Credit,” for the discussion of financing arrangements involving certain entities that are variable interest entities that are included in these consolidated financial statements. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  Use of Estimates  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ( “ GAAP ” ) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. The Company bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The amount of assets and liabilities reported on the Company's balance sheets and the amounts of income and expenses reported for each of the periods presented are affected by estimates and assumptions, which are used for, but not limited to, the accounting for revenue recognition and related reserves for sales returns, useful lives of property, plant and equipment, determining impairment on long-lived assets, valuation of inventory, compensation expense on stock based compensation plans and income taxes. Actual results may differ from these estimates.  Reclassification  Certain amounts in the prior year’s audited financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform with the current year’s presentation. Specifically, debt issuance costs presented in the prior year Consolidated Balance Sheet have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. Refer to the “New Accounting Pronouncements” section of this footnote for additional discussion.  Cash and Cash Equivalents  The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $6.1 million and $10.3 million at December 31, 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity date of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company accepts a range of debit and credit cards, and these transactions are generally transmitted to a bank for reimbursement within 24 hours. The payments due from the banks for these debit and credit card transactions are generally received, or settle d , within 24 to 48 hours of the transmission date. The Company considers all debit and credit card transactions that settle in less than seven days to be cash and cash equivalents. Amounts due from the banks for these transactions classified as cash and cash equivalents totaled $3.0 million and $1.8 million at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively.  Restricted Cash  Cash and cash equivalents that are restricted as to withdrawal or are under the terms of use for current operations are included in the restricted balance on the balance sheet. Cash and cash equivalents that are restricted as to withdrawal and designated for expenditure in the construction of noncurrent assets are included in long-term restricted cash on the balance sheet.  Trade Receivables  Trade receivables are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts on a specific identification basis as well as by using historical experience applied to an aging of accounts. Trade receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of trade receivables previously written off are recorded when received. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $70,000 and $113,500 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The Company does not accrue interest on accounts receivable.  Inventories  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined using the weighted average cost method) or market. Inventories consist primarily of merchandise held for sale. Inventories were comprised of the following at December 31, 2016 and 2015 :      2016 2015  (in thousands)  Finished goods $ 61,949 $ 59,503  Raw materials 2,312 2,681  Finished goods in transit 10,034 7,694  Total $ 74,295 $ 69,878 The Company provides provisions for losses related to shrinkage and other amounts that are not otherwise expected to be fully recoverable. These provisions are calculated based on historical shrinkage, selling price, margin and current business trends. The provision for losses related to shrinkage and other amounts was $163,000 and $337,000 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.  Income Taxes  The Company recognizes deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company estimates the degree to which tax assets and credit carry forwards will result in a benefit based on expected profitability by tax jurisdiction. A valuation allowance for such tax assets and loss carry forwards is provided when it is determined to be more likely than not that the benefit of such deferred tax asset will not be realized in future periods. If it becomes more likely than not that a tax asset will be used, the related valuation allowance on such assets would be reduced.  The Company records interest and penalties relating to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company has not recognized any liabilities for uncertain tax positions nor has the Company accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.  Revenue Recognition  The Company recognizes sales at the time that the customer takes possession of the merchandise or when final delivery of the product has occurred. The Company recognizes service revenue, which consists primarily of freight charges for home delivery, when the service has been rendered. The Company is required to charge and collect sales and other taxes on sales to the Company's customers and remit these taxes back to government authorities. Total revenues do not include sales tax because the Company is a pass-through conduit for collecting and remitting sales tax. Sales are reduced by an allowance for anticipated sales returns that the Company estimates based on historical returns. The process to establish a sales return reserve contains uncertainties because it requires management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate future returns and exchanges. The customer may receive a refund or exchange the original product for a replacement of equal or similar quality for a period of six months from the time of original purchase. Products received back under this policy are reconditioned pursuant to state laws and resold.  The Company generally requires customers to pay a deposit when purchasing inventory that is not regularly carried at the store location, or not currently in stock. These deposits are included in other accrued liabilities until the customer takes possession of the merchandise.  Sales Return Reserve  Customers may return purchased items for an exchange or refund. The Company records a reserve for estimated product returns, net of cost of sales based on historical return trends together with current product sales performance. A summary of activity in the Company's sales returns rese rve follows :      2016 2015 2014  (in thousands)  Balance at beginning of year $ 2,781 $ 3,292 $ 2,850  Additions for sales returns 31,334 26,522 28,517  Deductions from reserve (31,035) (27,033) (28,075)  Balance at end of year $ 3,080 $ 2,781 $ 3,292  Cost of Sales and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses  The following table illustrates the primary costs classified in each major expense category:  Cost of Sales · Cost of product s sold; · Freight expenses to bring products into the Company's distribution centers; · Custom and duty expenses; · Customer shipping and handling expenses; · Physical inventory losses; · Costs incurred at distribution centers in connection with the receiving process; · Labor and overhead costs incurred to manufacture inventory  Selling, General & Administrative Expenses · All other payroll and benefit costs for retail, corporate and distribution employees; · Occupancy, utilities and maintenance costs of retail and corporate facilities; · Freight expenses to move inventory from the Company's distribution centers to the Company's stores; · Depreciation and amortization; · Advertising costs Our largest supplier accounted for approximately 12% of our total purchases in 2016.  Stock Based Compensation  The Company r ecognizes expense for its stock based compensation based on the fair value of the awards that are granted. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, net of actual forfeitures . The Company may issue incentive awards in the form of stock options, restricted stock awards and other equity awards to employees and non-employee directors. Compensation cost is recognized ratably over the requisite serv ice period of the related stock based compensation award.  Concentration of Risk  Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and bank deposits. By their nature, all such instruments involve risks including credit risks of non-performance by counterparties. A substantial portion of the Company's cash and cash equivalents and bank deposits are invested with banks with high investment grade credit ratings.  Segments  The Company’s operations consist primarily of retail sales of manufactured and natural stone tiles, setting and maintenance materials, and related accessories in stores located in the United States and through its website. The Company’s chief operating decision maker only reviews the consolidated results of the Company and accordingly, the Company has concluded it has one reportable segment.  Advertising Costs  Advertising costs were $6.9 million, $6.5 million and $5.7 million, for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s advertising consists primarily of digital media, direct marketing, event s and traditional print media that is expensed at the time the media is distributed.  Pre-opening C osts  The Company’s pre-opening costs are those typically associated with the opening of a new store and generally include rent expense, payroll costs and promotional costs. The Company expenses pre-opening costs as incurred which are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. During the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , the Company reported pre-opening costs of $0.9 million, $0.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively.  Property, Plant and Equipment  Property, plant equipment and leasehold improvements are recorded at cost. Improvements are capitalized while repairs and maintenance costs are charged to selling, general and administrative expenses when incurred. Property, plant and equipment are depreciated or amortized using the straight-line method over each asset’s estimated useful life. Leasehold improvements and fixtures at leased locations are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term (including renewal terms) or the estimated useful life of the asset. The cost and accumulated depreciation of assets sold or otherwise disposed of are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss thereon is included in other income and expense.       Asset life (in years)  Buildings and building improvements 40  Leasehold improvements 8 – 26  Furniture and fixtures 2 – 7  Machinery and equipment 5 – 10  Computer equipment and software 3 – 7  Vehicles 5  Internal Use Software  The Company capitalizes software development costs incurred during the application development stage related to new software or major enhancements to the functionality of existing software that is developed solely to meet the Company’s internal operational needs and when there are no plans to market the software externally. Costs capitalized include external direct costs of materials and services and internal payroll and payroll-related costs. Any costs during the preliminary project stage or related to training or maintenance are expensed as incurred. Capitalization ceases when the software project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. The capitalization and ongoing assessment of recoverability of development costs requires considerable judgment by management with respect to certain external factors, including, but not limited to, technological and economic feasibility, and estimated economic life. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , $0.4 million and $0.9 million was included in computer equipment and software , respectively . The majority of the costs capitalized relate to amounts invoiced by external consultants. The costs are amortized over estimated useful lives of three to five years. There was $0.5 million, $0.5 million and $0.3 million depreciation expense related to capitalized software during the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively.  Leases  The Company leases its store and corporate headquarters locations. Assets held under capital leases are included in property, plant and equipment and amortization is included in depreciation expense. Operating lease rentals are expensed on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease beginning on the date the Company takes possession of the property. Tenant improvement allowances are amounts received from a lessor for improvements to leased properties and are amortized against rent expense over the life of the respective leases. At lease inception, the Company determines the lease term by assuming the exercise of those renewal options that are reasonably assured. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company’s sole discretion. The lease term is used to determine whether a lease is capital or operating and is used to calculate straight-line rent expense. Additionally, the depreciable life of leased assets and leasehold improvements is limited by the expected lease term. Rent expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Certain leases require the Company to pay real estate taxes, insurance, maintenance and other operating expenses associated with the leased premises. These expenses are also classified in selling, general and administrative expenses.  Self-Insurance  The Company is self-insured for certain employee health benefit and workers compensation claims. The Company estimates a liability for aggregate losses below stop-loss coverage limits based on estimates of the ultimate costs to be incurred to settle known claims and claims not reported as of the balance sheet date. The estimated liability is not discounted and is based on a number of assumptions and factors including historical trends, and economic conditions. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , an accrual of $0.7 million and $0.5 million related to estimated employee health benefit claims was included in other current liabilities, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , an accrual of $1.2 million and $0.6 million related to estimated workers compensation claims was included in other current liabilities, respectively.  The Company has a standby letter of credit outstanding related to the Company's worker's compensation insurance policy. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the standby letter of credit totaled $1.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively.  New Accounting Pronouncements  Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements  In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a standard requiring an entity’s management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date of the financial statements. The guidance also sets forth a series of disclosures that are required in the event the entity’s management concludes that there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The adoption of this new standard did n ot have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.  In February 2015, the FASB issued a new accounting standard that modif ies current consolidation guidance. The standard makes changes to both the variable interest entity model and the voting interest entity model, including modifying the evaluation of whether limited partnerships or similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities and amending the guidance for assessing how relationships of related parties affect the consolidation analysis of variable interest entities. The standard was effective for the Company as of the beginning of fiscal 2016. The adoption of this new standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.  In April 2015, the FASB issued a standard that requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The Company adopted the provisions of this statement in the first quarter of 2016 and prior periods have been retrospectively adjusted. The adoption of this standard resulted in a $0.1 million reduction of other current assets, net, a $0.3 million reduction of other assets, a $0.3 million reduction of the current portion of long - term debt, and a $0.1 million reduction of long - term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the period ended December 31, 2015.  In March 2016, the FASB issued a standard that amends and simplifies the accounting for stock compensation. The guidance addresses various stock compensation aspects including accounting for income taxes, classification of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows, forfeitures, minimum statutory tax withholding requirements, and classification of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares for tax withholding purposes, among other things. In order to simplify the accounting for stock based compensation, the Company made a change in accounting policy to account for forfeitures when they occur, and as a result, we recognized a $0. 5 million cumulative-effect reduction to retained earnings under the modified retrospective approach. During the third quarter of 2016, the Company recognized an adjustment to reduce additional paid-in capital and share based compensation by $0.1 million to account for current year forfeiture activity. We elected prospective transition for the requirement to classify excess tax benefits as an operating activity in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The adoption did not have a material impact on the amounts reported in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2016 . Additionally, the Company will prospectively recognize all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as a discrete item in the period in which awards vest. The adoption did not have a material impact on the amounts reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 . The Company applied the modified retrospective method to recognize the cumulative effect of previously unrecognized excess tax benefits in opening retained earnings. The adoption did not have a material impact on the amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company also retrospectively applied the requirement to present employee taxes paid when an employer withholds shares for tax-withholding purposes as a financing activity in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The adoption did not have a material impact on the amounts reported in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31 , 2016 and 2015.  Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted  In May 2014, the FASB issued a final standard on revenue from contracts with customers. This new standard introduces a comprehensive revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In 2016, the FASB issued several amendments to the standard, including principal versus agent considerations when another party is involved in providing goods or services to a customer, the application of identifying performance obligations, and the recognition of expected breakage amounts either proportionally in earnings as redemptions occur or when redemption is remote. The Company continues to assess the impacts of this standard, including evaluating if its current polices to account for samples, gift cards, and sales returns will change under the new standard. As the Company finalizes its assessment, the Company will take steps to define its accounting policies under the new standard, establish new processes and controls when warranted, and ensure these processes are designed to capture the information necessary to conform to the transitional disclosure requirements. The standard is effective for the Company in fiscal 2018 and provides for either full retrospective adoption or modified retrospective adoption by which the cumulative effect of the change is recognized in retained earnings at the date of initial application. The Company has elected to adopt this standard using the modified retrospective approach.  In July 2015, the FASB issued a standard which simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventory. Currently, an entity is required to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market, whereby market can be replacement cost, net realizable value, or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin. The changes require that inventory be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby eliminating the use of the other two market methodologies. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. These changes become effective for the Company in fiscal 2017. The Company is currently assessing the effect the new standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.  In February 2016, the FASB issued a standard that primarily requires organizations that lease assets to recognize the rights and obligations created by those leases on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The standard is effective in 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the effect the new standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.  In August 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update with new guidance on how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendments in the standards update provide guidance on eight specific cash flow issues. The standards update is effective retrospectively for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the effect the new standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.  In November 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance requires the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and ending balances shown on the statement of cash flows. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The guidance should be applied retrospectively after adoption. Restricted cash and long-term restricted cash balances were $3.0 million and $3.9 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2016. Upon adopting the new standard, the Company anticipates that the fluctuations in the restricted cash and long-term restricted cash balances will impact its statement of cash flows.  |