Cobra Electronics (COBR) 10-Q 13 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 06, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'COBR	'
Entity Registrant Name	'COBRA ELECTRONICS CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000030828	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	6,602,980

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$29,038	$27,672	$76,245	$83,174
Cost of sales	21,579	19,893	55,872	58,949
Gross profit	7,459	7,779	20,373	24,225
Selling, general and administrative expense	7,335	7,475	23,840	22,315
Earnings (loss) from operations	124	304	-3,467	1,910
Interest expense	-205	-277	-515	-765
Other income	359	336	798	685
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	278	363	-3,184	1,830
Tax (benefit) provision	-116	-201	-103	25
Net earnings (loss)	$394	$564	($3,081)	$1,805
Net earnings (loss) per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.06	$0.09	($0.47)	$0.27
Diluted	$0.06	$0.09	($0.47)	$0.27
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	6,611	6,611	6,611	6,595
Diluted	6,611	6,633	6,611	6,610

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings (loss)	$394	$564	($3,081)	$1,805
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation	717	422	159	314
Interest rate swap	13	21	46	69
Other comprehensive income	730	443	205	383
Comprehensive income (loss)	$1,124	$1,007	($2,876)	$2,188

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash	$2,258	$1,785
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $80 in 2013 and $679 in 2012	15,238	20,943
Inventories, primarily finished goods, net	37,507	38,068
Other current assets	3,448	3,071
Total current assets	58,451	63,867
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:	'	'
Buildings and improvements	7,000	6,865
Tooling and equipment	14,838	13,796
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	21,838	20,661
Accumulated depreciation	-16,549	-15,568
Land	230	230
Property, plant and equipment, net	5,519	5,323
Other assets:	'	'
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	7,054	5,907
Deferred income taxes, non-current	445	544
Intangible assets	7,364	7,634
Other assets	181	215
Total other assets	15,044	14,300
Total assets	79,014	83,490
Current liabilities:	'	'
Revolving bank loan facility	19,849	20,284
Accounts payable	6,034	5,598
Accrued salaries and commissions	1,374	2,053
Accrued advertising and sales promotion costs	528	1,012
Accrued product warranty costs	800	1,040
Accrued income taxes	'	425
Deferred income taxes, current	55	33
Other accrued liabilities	3,393	3,368
Total current liabilities	32,033	33,813
Non-current liabilities:	'	'
Deferred compensation	7,896	7,780
Deferred income taxes	783	886
Other long-term liabilities	714	751
Total non-current liabilities	9,393	9,417
Total liabilities	41,426	43,230
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $1 par value Authorized: 1,000,000 shares Issued: None	'	'
Common stock, $.33 1/3 par value Authorized: 12,000,000 shares Issued: 7,178,400 shares Outstanding: 6,610,580 shares	2,392	2,392
Additional paid-in capital	21,473	21,269
Retained earnings	19,378	22,459
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,818	-2,023
Total shareholders' equity before treasury stock	41,425	44,097
Treasury stock, at cost (567,820 shares)	-3,837	-3,837
Total shareholders' equity	37,588	40,260
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$79,014	$83,490

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$80	$679
Preferred stock par value	$1	$1
Preferred stock authorized shares	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.33	$0.33
Common stock, authorized shares	12,000,000	12,000,000
Common stock, issued shares	7,178,400	7,178,400
Common stock, outstanding shares	6,610,580	6,610,580
Treasury stock, at cost	567,820	567,820

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net (loss) earnings	($3,081)	$1,805
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) earnings to net cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	2,395	2,743
Deferred income taxes	25	-233
Gain on cash surrender value (CSV) life insurance	-865	-509
Stock-based compensation	204	262
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Receivables	5,727	5,574
Inventories	590	-4,634
Other assets	-610	-976
Accounts payable	461	-1,536
Other liabilities	-1,787	-2,434
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,059	62
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	-1,164	-862
Premiums on CSV life insurance	-282	-317
Intangible assets	-806	-523
Net cash used in investing activities	-2,252	-1,702
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Bank (payments) borrowings	-435	3,922
Capital lease obligations	-31	'
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-466	3,922
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	132	119
Net increase in cash	473	2,401
Cash at beginning of period	1,785	1,033
Cash at end of period	2,258	3,434
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'
Interest	383	489
Income taxes	563	902
Non-cash items for:	'	'
Capital lease obligations	'	$86

Consolidated_Statement_of_Shar

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$40,260	$2,392	$21,269	$22,459	($2,023)	($3,837)
Net loss	-3,081	'	'	-3,081	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	159	'	'	'	159	'
Interest rate swap, no tax benefit	46	'	'	'	46	'
Stock compensation expense	204	'	204	'	'	'
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$37,588	$2,392	$21,473	$19,378	($1,818)	($3,837)

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Business — Cobra designs and markets consumer electronics products, which it sells primarily under the Cobra brand name, principally in the United States, Canada and Europe. The Company’s Performance Products Limited (“PPL”) subsidiary sells its products under the Snooper trade name, principally in the United Kingdom, as well as elsewhere in Europe. A majority of the Company’s products are purchased from overseas suppliers, primarily in China, Hong Kong and South Korea. The consumer electronics market is characterized by rapidly changing technology and certain products may have limited life cycles. Management believes that it maintains strong relationships with its current suppliers and that, if necessary, other suppliers could be found. The extent to which a change in a supplier would have an adverse effect on the Company’s business depends on the timing of the change, the product or products that the supplier produces for the Company and the volume of that production. The Company also maintains insurance coverage that would, in certain limited circumstances, reimburse the Company for lost profits resulting from a supplier’s inability to fulfill its commitments to the Company.
	Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. The consolidated entities are collectively referred to as the “Company”. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Accounts Receivable — The majority of the Company’s accounts receivables are due from retailers and two-step distributors. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of a customer’s financial condition, including, at times, the availability of credit insurance, and generally, collateral is not required. Accounts receivable are due within various time periods specified in the terms applicable to the specific customer and are stated at amounts due from customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.
	The Company determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s previous loss history, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation to the Company, availability of credit insurance and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. The Company writes off accounts receivable against the allowance for doubtful accounts when they are judged to be uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to customer claims or bad debt expense.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
	(2) SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company operates in two business segments: (1) Cobra Consumer Electronics (“Cobra”) and (2) Performance Products Limited (“PPL”). The Cobra segment is comprised of Cobra Electronics Corporation, Cobra Hong Kong Limited and Cobra Electronics Europe Limited (“CEEL”). The Company has separate sales departments and distribution channels for each segment, which provide segment exclusive product lines to all customers for that segment. The results for the PPL segment for the nine month period ending September 30, 2013 excludes intersegment sales of $37,000 and intersegment operating profit of $3,000. There were no intersegment sales for the third quarter of 2013 and for the third quarter and nine month period for 2012. The financial information by business segment for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 follows:
	Three months — 2013 vs. 2012
		2013									2012
		COBRA			PPL			TOTAL			COBRA			PPL			TOTAL
		(In Thousands)
	Net sales	$	25,450		$	3,588		$	29,038		$	23,962		$	3,710		$	27,672
	Cost of sales		19,164			2,415			21,579			17,494			2,399			19,893
	Gross profit		6,286			1,173			7,459			6,468			1,311			7,779
	Selling, general and administrative expense		6,191			1,144			7,335			6,202			1,273			7,475
	Earnings from operations		95			29			124			266			38			304
	Interest expense		(205	)		—			(205	)		(277	)		—			(277	)
	Other income		318			41			359			315			21			336
	Earnings before income taxes		208			70			278			304			59			363
	Tax (benefit) provision		(49	)		(67	)		(116	)		41			(242	)		(201	)
	Net earnings	$	257		$	137		$	394		$	263		$	301		$	564
	Nine months — 2013 vs. 2012
		2013									2012
		COBRA			PPL			TOTAL			COBRA			PPL			TOTAL
		(In Thousands)
	Net sales	$	65,885		$	10,360		$	76,245		$	72,071		$	11,103		$	83,174
	Cost of sales		49,062			6,810			55,872			51,901			7,048			58,949
	Gross profit		16,823			3,550			20,373			20,170			4,055			24,225
	Selling, general and administrative expense		20,268			3,572			23,840			18,631			3,684			22,315
	(Loss) earnings from operations		(3,445	)		(22	)		(3,467	)		1,539			371			1,910
	Interest expense		(515	)		—			(515	)		(765	)		—			(765	)
	Other income (expense)		876			(78	)		798			632			53			685
	(Loss) earnings before income taxes		(3,084	)		(100	)		(3,184	)		1,406			424			1,830
	Tax (benefit) provision		(5	)		(98	)		(103	)		296			(271	)		25
	Net (loss) earnings	$	(3,079	)	$	(2	)	$	(3,081	)	$	1,110		$	695		$	1,805

MULTIPLE_ELEMENT_ARRANGEMENTS

MULTIPLE ELEMENT ARRANGEMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
MULTIPLE ELEMENT ARRANGEMENTS	'
	(3) MULTIPLE ELEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
	PPL bundles the sales of its navigation products with access to the AURA database and map updates. The deferred revenue was calculated using the relative selling price method based on Vendor Specific Objective Evidence (“VSOE”) and recognized over the applicable subscription period, generally two years. A summary of PPL’s deferred revenue at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 follows:
		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
		(In Thousands)
	Deferred revenue—PPL	$	1,054	$	914
	In addition, the Company’s domestic business sells products bundled with access to the AURA database and map updates. Revenues deferred from these arrangements were calculated using the relative fair market value method and recognized over the applicable subscription period, generally two years. A summary of deferred revenue for Cobra U.S. at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 follows:
		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
		(In Thousands)
	Deferred revenue—Cobra U.S.	$	305	$	401

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	(4) INCOME TAXES
	Each quarter, the Company estimates the annual effective income tax rate (“ETR”) for the full year and applies that rate to the Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes for tax jurisdictions not subject to a valuation allowance in determining its provision for income taxes for the interim periods. The determination of the consolidated provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the related valuation allowance requires management to make certain judgments and estimates. Changes in the estimated level of annual pre-tax earnings, tax laws, and changes resulting from tax audits can affect the overall effective income tax rate, which impacts the level of income tax expense and net income. Judgments and estimates related to the Company’s projections and assumptions are inherently uncertain; therefore, actual results could differ materially from projections.
	The year-to-date ETR was less than the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate, mainly due to the taxing jurisdictions in which the Company and its foreign subsidiaries generate taxable income or loss and judgments as to the realizability of the Company’s deferred tax assets.
	The Company reviews the need for a valuation allowance at each quarter-end. The U.S. operations were in a loss position for the nine month period ending September 30, 2013. Based on this and other relevant information, management concluded at September 30, 2013 that the Company did not meet the more likely than not criteria for concluding that the valuation allowance related to the deferred tax assets for its U.S. operations, which totaled $9.1 million at September 30, 2013 (compared to $8.7 million at December 31, 2012), was no longer required in part or total. The Company will continue to monitor the need for a valuation allowance throughout 2013. Should the Company demonstrate a favorable and sustainable trend for its historic and projected operating results in the U.S., a reduction in the valuation allowance and a corresponding income tax benefit may result.

FINANCING_ARRANGEMENTS

FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS	'
	(5) FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
	On December 7, 2012, the Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) among the Company, BMO Harris, as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”), and the lenders party thereto from time to time (the “Lenders”) was amended to extend the maturity date to July 16, 2016, increase the maximum availability under the Credit Agreement to $35.0 million and decrease the applicable margin used to determine the interest rates applicable to borrowings under the Credit Agreement. On August 8, 2013, the Credit Agreement was amended to permit the exclusion of the Fleming patent litigation and settlement agreement expenses from the covenant calculations, effective with the quarter ending June 30, 2013, and to increase the applicable margin under the Credit Agreement. See Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies, for a discussion of the Fleming litigation and settlement agreement.
	In the third quarter of 2013, the Company did not meet the required minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). On November 11, 2013, the Credit Agreement was amended to waive any non-compliance with the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the third quarter of 2013, increase the applicable margin under the Credit Agreement and add a $100,000 interest reserve.
	Pursuant to the terms of its Credit Agreement, the Company is required to make mandatory prepayments on the amounts outstanding thereunder in the event that the Company receives proceeds under certain circumstances or in connection with other specified events. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at either the base rate or the LIBOR lending rate (each as defined in the Credit Agreement), as applicable, plus the applicable margin set forth in the Credit Agreement. The Company will also pay certain fees and expenses, including (i) a commitment fee on the unused portion of the Lenders’ aggregate revolving commitment and (ii) a letter of credit fee equal to the product of the applicable margin set forth in the Credit Agreement times the face amount of the standby letters of credit and the commercial letters of credit outstanding at such time. The Credit Agreement contains customary covenants, including but not limited to financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain a minimum twelve month Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Certain fees and covenants for the Credit Agreement follow:
	Commitment fee		0.25	%
	Fixed charge coverage ratio		1.10 to 1.00
	Annual capital expenditures limit (in thousands)	$	4,000
	Annual dividend to shareholders limit (in thousands)	$	1,250
	The Company’s Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is based on adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures and cash tax payments in relation to interest expense. As a condition to the extension of the loan and the issuance of the letters of credit under the Credit Agreement, the Company has granted a security interest to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, in substantially all the assets of the Company except (i) life insurance policies not collaterally assigned to the Lenders, (ii) any equipment subject to liens permitted under the Credit Agreement if such equipment is also subject to an agreement prohibiting the pledge of such equipment to the Lenders, (iii) deposit accounts used exclusively by the Company for payroll and employee retiree benefit purposes and (iv) the Company’s interest in the outstanding voting equity securities of any of its directly-owned foreign subsidiaries to the extent such interests exceed 65 percent of the outstanding voting equity securities of such foreign subsidiary.
	The Company’s interest bearing debt outstanding under the revolving credit facility and credit availability under the revolving credit facility at September 30, 2013 follows:
		September 30, 2013
		(In Thousands)
	Interest bearing debt	$	19,849
	Credit availability	$	6,853
	The borrowing base formula to determine credit availability includes the following:
	Percentage of eligible accounts receivable		85	%
	The lesser of:
	Percentage of lower of cost or market of eligible inventory		65	%
	Percentage of appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory		85	%
	Percentage of commercial letters of credit		65	%
	The borrowing base is also subject to certain limitations and reserves established at the Lenders’ discretion. If necessary, the Credit Agreement permits an “overadvance” of up to $1,000,000 for sixty consecutive days.
	The weighted average interest rate for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2013 and 2012, which includes the amortization charges associated with the terminated interest rate swap described in Note 7, Derivatives, follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Weighted average interest rate		3.9	%		4.7	%		3.4	%		4.9	%

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	'
	(6) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	The Company’s financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, short-term debt and letters of credit. The carrying values of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated their fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The carrying amounts of the Company’s bank borrowings under its Credit Agreement approximated fair value because the interest rates are reset periodically to reflect current market rates. The letters of credit approximated fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments. The fair value of letters of credit at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 follows:
		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
		(In Thousands)
	Letters of credit at fair value	$	5,146	$	2,688

DERIVATIVES

DERIVATIVES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
DERIVATIVES	'
	(7) DERIVATIVES
	The Company transacts business globally with various manufacturing and distribution facilities. The Company may reduce its exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates by creating offsetting positions through derivative financial instruments. The Company currently does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The Company regularly monitors foreign exchange exposures and ensures hedge contract amounts do not exceed the amounts of the underlying exposures.
	The Company maintained an interest rate swap, which was terminated on July 16, 2010, to fix the interest rate for the term of the revolving credit facility and term loan under its previous Credit Agreement, thereby protecting the Company from future interest rate increases. The interest rate swap represented a cash flow hedge and was recorded at fair value and classified as a non-current liability.
	Changes in the recorded fair value of the interest rate swap were recorded to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). The termination cost of the interest rate swap will be amortized into interest expense through the March 31, 2014 expiration of the swap agreement. The interest amortization for the Company’s terminated interest rate swaps reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Interest Expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	Income Statement Location	2013		2012		2013		2012
		(In Thousands)				(In Thousands)
	Interest expense	$	13	$	21	$	46	$	69

EARNINGS_LOSS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE	'
	(8) EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
	Basic earnings (loss) per share excludes any dilution and is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock resulted in the issuance of common stock. If the common stock equivalents have an anti-dilutive effect, they are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share. The earnings or loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		2013		2012		2013			2012
		(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)				(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
	Net earnings (loss)	$	394	$	564	$	(3,081	)	$	1,805
	Weighted-average shares outstanding
	Basic		6,611		6,611		6,611			6,595
	Diluted		6,611		6,633		6,611			6,610
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.06	$	0.09	$	(0.47	)	$	0.27
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.06	$	0.09	$	(0.47	)	$	0.27
	The diluted earnings per share calculations include the incremental shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options that have a market price in excess of the exercise price. When the exercise price of an option exceeds its market price, the incremental shares are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation. A summary of the options outstanding, the options includable and excludable from the diluted earnings per share calculations and the incremental shares included in the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		2013		2012		2013			2012
		(In Thousands)				(In Thousands)
	Options included in diluted earnings (loss) per share calculation		—		217		—			217
	Options excluded from diluted earnings (loss) per share calculation		352		137		352			137
	Total options outstanding		352		354		352			354
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		2013		2012		2013			2012
		(In Thousands)				(In Thousands)
	Incremental shares included in the diluted earnings (loss) per share		—		22		—			15

COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOSS

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	'
	(9) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise from transactions and other events from non-owner sources. Comprehensive income (loss) includes net earnings (loss) and other non-owner changes in equity that bypass the statement of operations and are reported in a separate component of equity. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) included the foreign currency translation adjustment and a terminated interest rate swap.
	A summary of the change in the Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) from December 31, 2012 to September 30, 2013 follows:
		Interest		Foreign
		Rate		Currency
		Swap		Translation			Total
		(In Thousands)
	Balance, December 31, 2012	$	48	$	(2,071	)	$	(2,023	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		—		159			159
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		46		—			46
	Balance, September 30, 2013	$	94	$	(1,912	)	$	(1,818	)
	A summary of the amounts reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 follows:
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive
	Income Components	2013
		(In Thousands)
	Interest rate swap—amortization	$	46

OTHER_CURRENT_ASSETS

OTHER CURRENT ASSETS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
OTHER CURRENT ASSETS	'
	(10) OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
	The following table summarizes the components of other current assets at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In Thousands)
	Prepayments	$	2,202	$	2,170
	Vendor and miscellaneous receivables		1,246		901
		$	3,448	$	3,071

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

INTANGIBLE ASSETS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
	(11) INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The following table summarizes the components of intangible assets at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In Thousands)
	Internal use software	$	3,086		$	2,879
	Less accumulated amortization		(2,676	)		(2,543	)
			410			336
	ERP internal software system		4,393			4,368
	Less accumulated amortization		(4,224	)		(4,148	)
			169			220
	Trademarks, trade names and patents		7,131			6,844
	Less accumulated amortization		(2,328	)		(2,110	)
			4,803			4,734
	Product software, net of impairment		1,547			1,468
	Less accumulated amortization, net of impairment		(1,102	)		(1,041	)
			445			427
	Customer relationships		5,035			5,040
	Less accumulated amortization		(3,498	)		(3,123	)
			1,537			1,917
	Total	$	7,364		$	7,634
	Product software assets and accumulated amortization shown in the preceding table are shown net of the respective impairment charges. There were no intangible asset impairment charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. The anticipated amortization expense of intangible assets over the next five years ending December 31 follows:
	Year	Cost
		(In Thousands)
	2014	$	800
	2015		800
	2016		700
	2017		300
	2018		300
		$	2,900

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	(12) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	On August 3, 2012, Hoyt A. Fleming filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Idaho against the Company alleging infringement of certain patents and seeking unspecified damages and injunctive relief. The allegations related to approximately 30 of the Company’s radar detection products that were sold with GPS or capable of receiving a GPS attachment or that have compass directional ability.
	On July 16, 2013, the Company executed an agreement with Mr. Fleming to settle the Fleming patent litigation. The settlement agreement provides the Company with a license to certain patents in exchange for certain payments. Although the settlement occurred subsequent to June 30, 2013, the expense for an upfront payment was recorded in the second quarter financial results in accordance with GAAP. On July 30, 2013, the court entered an order dismissing with prejudice all of Mr. Fleming’s claims.
	In addition, the Company is subject to various unresolved legal actions which arise in the normal course of its business. None of these matters are expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. However, the ultimate resolution of these matters cannot be determined at this time.
	The Company’s outstanding inventory purchase orders with suppliers at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In Thousands)
	Open purchase orders	$	22,667	$	15,165

PRODUCT_WARRANTY_COSTS_AND_INV

PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS AND INVENTORY VALUATION RESERVES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS AND INVENTORY VALUATION RESERVES	'
	(13) PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS AND INVENTORY VALUATION RESERVES
	The Company warrants to the consumer who purchases its products that it will repair or replace, without charge, defective products within one year of purchase. The Company also has a return policy for its customers that allows them to return, to the Company, products returned to them by their customers for full or partial credit based on when the Company’s customer last purchased these products. Accordingly, the Company maintains a warranty reserve and a liquidation reserve.
	The warranty reserve reflects historical return rates by product category multiplied by the most recent six months of unit sales and the unit standard cost of each model. The Company uses the most recent six months of unit sales in its estimate, as historical experience indicates that most returns will occur within six months of the Company’s original sale date. Therefore, judgments must be made based on historical return rates and how the returned product will be disposed of by, either liquidation or return to vendors for credit on new purchases. The amount of the reserve reflects the estimated quantity of future returns and the expected return costs. The expected return cost is based on the difference between the purchase cost and the return credit from the vendor or the difference between the purchase cost and the liquidation sale. This reserve may vary based upon the level of sales and changes in historical return rates from quarter to quarter as well as estimated costs of disposal, either liquidation prices or the credit given by vendors. A roll-forward of the warranty reserve follows:
		Nine Months			Year
		Ended			Ended
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In Thousands)
	Accrued product warranty costs, beginning of period	$	1,040		$	1,191
	Warranty provision		1,406			2,387
	Warranty expenditures		(1,646	)		(2,538	)
	Accrued product warranty costs, end of period	$	800		$	1,040
	The liquidation reserve represents the write-down of returned product from our customers to its net realizable value. Returned inventory is either sold to various liquidators or returned to vendors for partial credit against similar, new models; this decision depends upon the estimated future demand for the models. Judgments are made as to whether various models are to be liquidated or returned to the vendor, taking into consideration the liquidation prices expected to be received and the amount of vendor credit. The amount of the reserve reflects the quantity of returned products on-hand and the expected return costs. The expected return cost is the difference between the purchase cost and the return credit from the vendor or the difference between the purchase cost and the liquidation sale. This reserve can fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter depending upon quantities of returned inventory on hand and the estimated liquidation price or vendor credit per unit. A roll-forward of the liquidation reserve, which is classified as a contra inventory item on the balance sheet, follows:
		Nine Months			Year
		Ended			Ended
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In Thousands)
	Liquidation reserve, beginning of period	$	1,134		$	999
	Liquidation provision		1,820			2,300
	Liquidation of models		(2,047	)		(2,165	)
	Liquidation reserve, end of period	$	907		$	1,134
	The Company maintains a net realizable value (“NRV”) reserve to write-down, as necessary, certain inventory not previously sold to customers, except for that covered by the liquidation reserve discussed above, below cost. The reserve includes models where it is determined that the NRV is less than cost. Thus, judgments must be made about which slow-moving, excess or non-current models are to be included in the reserve and the estimated NRV of such models. The estimated NRV of each model is the per unit price that it is estimated to be received if the model was sold in the marketplace. This reserve will vary depending upon the specific models selected, the estimated NRV for each model and quantities of each model that are determined will be sold below cost from quarter to quarter. A roll-forward of the NRV reserve, which is classified as a contra inventory item on the balance sheet, follows:
		Nine Months			Year
		Ended			Ended
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In Thousands)
	Net realizable reserve, beginning of period	$	263		$	118
	NRV provision		365			512
	NRV write-offs		(240	)		(367	)
	Net realizable reserve, end of period	$	388		$	263

INTEREST_EXPENSE_AND_OTHER_INC

INTEREST EXPENSE AND OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]	'
INTEREST EXPENSE AND OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	'
	(14) INTEREST EXPENSE AND OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
	The following table shows the components of Interest Expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		2013			2012		2013			2012
		(In Thousands)					(In Thousands)
	Interest on debt	$	162		$	193	$	391		$	506
	Amortization of loan fees		30			63		78			190
	Interest rate swap amortization		13			21		46			69
		$	205		$	277	$	515		$	765
	The following table shows the components of Other Income (Expense) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		2013			2012		2013			2012
		(In Thousands)					(In Thousands)
	CSV income	$	301		$	274	$	865		$	509
	Foreign exchange (expense) income		(7	)		17		(113	)		48
	Other—net		65			45		46			128
		$	359		$	336	$	798		$	685

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Business	'
	Business — Cobra designs and markets consumer electronics products, which it sells primarily under the Cobra brand name, principally in the United States, Canada and Europe. The Company’s Performance Products Limited (“PPL”) subsidiary sells its products under the Snooper trade name, principally in the United Kingdom, as well as elsewhere in Europe. A majority of the Company’s products are purchased from overseas suppliers, primarily in China, Hong Kong and South Korea. The consumer electronics market is characterized by rapidly changing technology and certain products may have limited life cycles. Management believes that it maintains strong relationships with its current suppliers and that, if necessary, other suppliers could be found. The extent to which a change in a supplier would have an adverse effect on the Company’s business depends on the timing of the change, the product or products that the supplier produces for the Company and the volume of that production. The Company also maintains insurance coverage that would, in certain limited circumstances, reimburse the Company for lost profits resulting from a supplier’s inability to fulfill its commitments to the Company.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. The consolidated entities are collectively referred to as the “Company”. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Accounts Receivable	'
	Accounts Receivable — The majority of the Company’s accounts receivables are due from retailers and two-step distributors. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of a customer’s financial condition, including, at times, the availability of credit insurance, and generally, collateral is not required. Accounts receivable are due within various time periods specified in the terms applicable to the specific customer and are stated at amounts due from customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.
	The Company determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s previous loss history, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation to the Company, availability of credit insurance and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. The Company writes off accounts receivable against the allowance for doubtful accounts when they are judged to be uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to customer claims or bad debt expense.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Summary of financial information by business segment	'
	The financial information by business segment for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 follows:
	Three months — 2013 vs. 2012
		2013									2012
		COBRA			PPL			TOTAL			COBRA			PPL			TOTAL
		(In Thousands)
	Net sales	$	25,450		$	3,588		$	29,038		$	23,962		$	3,710		$	27,672
	Cost of sales		19,164			2,415			21,579			17,494			2,399			19,893
	Gross profit		6,286			1,173			7,459			6,468			1,311			7,779
	Selling, general and administrative expense		6,191			1,144			7,335			6,202			1,273			7,475
	Earnings from operations		95			29			124			266			38			304
	Interest expense		(205	)		—			(205	)		(277	)		—			(277	)
	Other income		318			41			359			315			21			336
	Earnings before income taxes		208			70			278			304			59			363
	Tax (benefit) provision		(49	)		(67	)		(116	)		41			(242	)		(201	)
	Net earnings	$	257		$	137		$	394		$	263		$	301		$	564
	Nine months — 2013 vs. 2012
		2013									2012
		COBRA			PPL			TOTAL			COBRA			PPL			TOTAL
		(In Thousands)
	Net sales	$	65,885		$	10,360		$	76,245		$	72,071		$	11,103		$	83,174
	Cost of sales		49,062			6,810			55,872			51,901			7,048			58,949
	Gross profit		16,823			3,550			20,373			20,170			4,055			24,225
	Selling, general and administrative expense		20,268			3,572			23,840			18,631			3,684			22,315
	(Loss) earnings from operations		(3,445	)		(22	)		(3,467	)		1,539			371			1,910
	Interest expense		(515	)		—			(515	)		(765	)		—			(765	)
	Other income (expense)		876			(78	)		798			632			53			685
	(Loss) earnings before income taxes		(3,084	)		(100	)		(3,184	)		1,406			424			1,830
	Tax (benefit) provision		(5	)		(98	)		(103	)		296			(271	)		25
	Net (loss) earnings	$	(3,079	)	$	(2	)	$	(3,081	)	$	1,110		$	695		$	1,805

MULTIPLE_ELEMENT_ARRANGEMENTS_

MULTIPLE ELEMENT ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Summary of Deferred Revenue	'
	A summary of PPL’s deferred revenue at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 follows:
		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
		(In Thousands)
	Deferred revenue—PPL	$	1,054	$	914
	A summary of deferred revenue for Cobra U.S. at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 follows:
		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
		(In Thousands)
	Deferred revenue—Cobra U.S.	$	305	$	401

FINANCING_ARRANGEMENTS_Tables

FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Certain Commitment Fee Expense and Covenants for Credit Agreement	'
	Certain fees and covenants for the Credit Agreement follow:
	Commitment fee		0.25	%
	Fixed charge coverage ratio		1.10 to 1.00
	Annual capital expenditures limit (in thousands)	$	4,000
	Annual dividend to shareholders limit (in thousands)	$	1,250
Summary of Company's Interest Bearing Debt Outstanding and Credit Availability	'
	The Company’s interest bearing debt outstanding under the revolving credit facility and credit availability under the revolving credit facility at September 30, 2013 follows:
		September 30, 2013
		(In Thousands)
	Interest bearing debt	$	19,849
	Credit availability	$	6,853
Components of Borrowing Base Formula to Determine Credit Availability	'
	The borrowing base formula to determine credit availability includes the following:
	Percentage of eligible accounts receivable		85	%
	The lesser of:
	Percentage of lower of cost or market of eligible inventory		65	%
	Percentage of appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory		85	%
	Percentage of commercial letters of credit		65	%
Summary of Weighted Average Interest Rate	'
	The weighted average interest rate for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2013 and 2012, which includes the amortization charges associated with the terminated interest rate swap described in Note 7, Derivatives, follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Weighted average interest rate		3.9	%		4.7	%		3.4	%		4.9	%

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU1

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Summary of Fair Value of Letters of Credit	'
	The fair value of letters of credit at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 follows:
		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
		(In Thousands)
	Letters of credit at fair value	$	5,146	$	2,688

DERIVATIVES_Tables

DERIVATIVES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Reclassification of Interest Amortization on Terminated Interest Rate Swaps from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Interest Income (Expense)	'
	The interest amortization for the Company’s terminated interest rate swaps reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Interest Expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	Income Statement Location	2013		2012		2013		2012
		(In Thousands)				(In Thousands)
	Interest expense	$	13	$	21	$	46	$	69

EARNINGS_LOSS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Summary of Earnings or Loss Per Share	'
	The earnings or loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		2013		2012		2013			2012
		(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)				(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
	Net earnings (loss)	$	394	$	564	$	(3,081	)	$	1,805
	Weighted-average shares outstanding
	Basic		6,611		6,611		6,611			6,595
	Diluted		6,611		6,633		6,611			6,610
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.06	$	0.09	$	(0.47	)	$	0.27
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.06	$	0.09	$	(0.47	)	$	0.27
Summary of Options Outstanding, Options Includable And Excludable From Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	'
	A summary of the options outstanding, the options includable and excludable from the diluted earnings per share calculations and the incremental shares included in the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		2013		2012		2013			2012
		(In Thousands)				(In Thousands)
	Options included in diluted earnings (loss) per share calculation		—		217		—			217
	Options excluded from diluted earnings (loss) per share calculation		352		137		352			137
	Total options outstanding		352		354		352			354
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		2013		2012		2013			2012
		(In Thousands)				(In Thousands)
	Incremental shares included in the diluted earnings (loss) per share		—		22		—			15

COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOSS_Tabl

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Summary of Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	A summary of the change in the Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) from December 31, 2012 to September 30, 2013 follows:
		Interest		Foreign
		Rate		Currency
		Swap		Translation			Total
		(In Thousands)
	Balance, December 31, 2012	$	48	$	(2,071	)	$	(2,023	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		—		159			159
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		46		—			46
	Balance, September 30, 2013	$	94	$	(1,912	)	$	(1,818	)
Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	A summary of the amounts reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 follows:
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive
	Income Components	2013
		(In Thousands)
	Interest rate swap—amortization	$	46

OTHER_CURRENT_ASSETS_Tables

OTHER CURRENT ASSETS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Components of Other Current Assets	'
	The following table summarizes the components of other current assets at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In Thousands)
	Prepayments	$	2,202	$	2,170
	Vendor and miscellaneous receivables		1,246		901
		$	3,448	$	3,071

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_Tables

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Components of Intangible Assets	'
	The following table summarizes the components of intangible assets at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In Thousands)
	Internal use software	$	3,086		$	2,879
	Less accumulated amortization		(2,676	)		(2,543	)
			410			336
	ERP internal software system		4,393			4,368
	Less accumulated amortization		(4,224	)		(4,148	)
			169			220
	Trademarks, trade names and patents		7,131			6,844
	Less accumulated amortization		(2,328	)		(2,110	)
			4,803			4,734
	Product software, net of impairment		1,547			1,468
	Less accumulated amortization, net of impairment		(1,102	)		(1,041	)
			445			427
	Customer relationships		5,035			5,040
	Less accumulated amortization		(3,498	)		(3,123	)
			1,537			1,917
	Total	$	7,364		$	7,634
Anticipated Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets	'
	The anticipated amortization expense of intangible assets over the next five years ending December 31 follows:
	Year	Cost
		(In Thousands)
	2014	$	800
	2015		800
	2016		700
	2017		300
	2018		300
		$	2,900

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Outstanding Inventory Purchase Orders	'
	The Company’s outstanding inventory purchase orders with suppliers at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In Thousands)
	Open purchase orders	$	22,667	$	15,165

PRODUCT_WARRANTY_COSTS_AND_INV1

PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS AND INVENTORY VALUATION RESERVES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Roll-forward of Warranty Reserve	'
	A roll-forward of the warranty reserve follows:
		Nine Months			Year
		Ended			Ended
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In Thousands)
	Accrued product warranty costs, beginning of period	$	1,040		$	1,191
	Warranty provision		1,406			2,387
	Warranty expenditures		(1,646	)		(2,538	)
	Accrued product warranty costs, end of period	$	800		$	1,040
Roll-forward of Liquidation Reserve Classified as Contra Inventory	'
	A roll-forward of the liquidation reserve, which is classified as a contra inventory item on the balance sheet, follows:
		Nine Months			Year
		Ended			Ended
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In Thousands)
	Liquidation reserve, beginning of period	$	1,134		$	999
	Liquidation provision		1,820			2,300
	Liquidation of models		(2,047	)		(2,165	)
	Liquidation reserve, end of period	$	907		$	1,134
Roll-forward of NRV Reserve Classified as Contra Inventory	'
	A roll-forward of the NRV reserve, which is classified as a contra inventory item on the balance sheet, follows:
		Nine Months			Year
		Ended			Ended
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In Thousands)
	Net realizable reserve, beginning of period	$	263		$	118
	NRV provision		365			512
	NRV write-offs		(240	)		(367	)
	Net realizable reserve, end of period	$	388		$	263

INTEREST_EXPENSE_AND_OTHER_INC1

INTEREST EXPENSE AND OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]	'
Components of Interest Expense	'
	The following table shows the components of Interest Expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		2013			2012		2013			2012
		(In Thousands)					(In Thousands)
	Interest on debt	$	162		$	193	$	391		$	506
	Amortization of loan fees		30			63		78			190
	Interest rate swap amortization		13			21		46			69
		$	205		$	277	$	515		$	765
Components of Other Income (Expense)	'
	The following table shows the components of Other Income (Expense) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		2013			2012		2013			2012
		(In Thousands)					(In Thousands)
	CSV income	$	301		$	274	$	865		$	509
	Foreign exchange (expense) income		(7	)		17		(113	)		48
	Other—net		65			45		46			128
		$	359		$	336	$	798		$	685

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Intersegment sales	$37,000
Intersegment operating profit	$3,000
Number of operating segments	2

Segment_Information_Summary_of

Segment Information - Summary of Financial Information by Business Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$29,038	$27,672	$76,245	$83,174
Cost of sales	21,579	19,893	55,872	58,949
Gross profit	7,459	7,779	20,373	24,225
Selling, general and administrative expense	7,335	7,475	23,840	22,315
(Loss) earnings from operations	124	304	-3,467	1,910
Interest expense	-205	-277	-515	-765
Other income	359	336	798	685
(Loss) earnings before income taxes	278	363	-3,184	1,830
Tax (benefit) provision	-116	-201	-103	25
Net (loss) earnings	394	564	-3,081	1,805
Cobra U.S.[Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	25,450	23,962	65,885	72,071
Cost of sales	19,164	17,494	49,062	51,901
Gross profit	6,286	6,468	16,823	20,170
Selling, general and administrative expense	6,191	6,202	20,268	18,631
(Loss) earnings from operations	95	266	-3,445	1,539
Interest expense	-205	-277	-515	-765
Other income	318	315	876	632
(Loss) earnings before income taxes	208	304	-3,084	1,406
Tax (benefit) provision	-49	41	-5	296
Net (loss) earnings	257	263	-3,079	1,110
PPL [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	3,588	3,710	10,360	11,103
Cost of sales	2,415	2,399	6,810	7,048
Gross profit	1,173	1,311	3,550	4,055
Selling, general and administrative expense	1,144	1,273	3,572	3,684
(Loss) earnings from operations	29	38	-22	371
Other income	41	21	-78	53
(Loss) earnings before income taxes	70	59	-100	424
Tax (benefit) provision	-67	-242	-98	-271
Net (loss) earnings	$137	$301	($2)	$695

Recovered_Sheet1

Multiple Element Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) (PPL [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
PPL [Member]	'
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]	'
Subscription Period	'2 years

Multiple_Element_Arrangements_1

Multiple Element Arrangements - Summary of Deferred Revenue (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Selling Price Method [Member] | PPL [Member]	'	'
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred Revenue	$1,054	$914
Fair Market Value Method [Member] | Cobra U.S.[Member]	'	'
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred Revenue	$305	$401

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Valuation allowance	$9.10	$8.70

Financing_Arrangements_Additio

Financing Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 07, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 11, 2013
		Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Credit Agreement [Member]	Amended Credit Agreement [Member]
				Subsequent Event [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Credit Agreement, Available	'	$35,000,000	'	'
Revolving loan facility, maturity date	16-Jul-16	'	'	'
Interest reserve	'	'	'	100,000
Minimum customary covenants maintaining period.	'	'	'12 months	'
Maximum percentage of the outstanding voting equity securities of foreign subsidiary	65.00%	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Overadvance Limit	$1,000,000	'	'	'
Credit Agreement permits consecutive days	'60 days	'	'	'

Financing_Arrangements_Summary

Financing Arrangements - Summary of Certain Commitment Fee Expense and Covenants for Credit Agreement (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitment fee	0.25%
Fixed charge coverage ratio	1.1
Fixed charge coverage ratio, Minimum	1
Annual capital expenditures limit (in thousands)	$4,000
Annual dividend to shareholders limit (in thousands)	$1,250

Financing_Arrangements_Summary1

Financing Arrangements - Summary of Company's Interest Bearing Debt Outstanding and Credit Availability (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Interest bearing debt	$19,849	$20,284
Credit availability	$6,853	'

Financing_Arrangements_Compone

Financing Arrangements - Components of Borrowing Base Formula to Determine Credit Availability (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Percentage of eligible accounts receivable	85.00%
The lesser of:	'
Percentage of lower of cost or market of eligible inventory	65.00%
Percentage of appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory	85.00%
Percentage of commercial letters of credit	65.00%

Financing_Arrangement_Summary_

Financing Arrangement - Summary of Weighted Average Rate (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Interest Rate Derivatives [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average interest rate	3.90%	4.70%	3.40%	4.90%

Recovered_Sheet2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Summary of Fair Value of Letters of Credit (Detail) (Line of Credit [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Line of Credit [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Letters of credit at fair value	$5,146	$2,688

Derivative_Additional_Informat

Derivative - Additional Information (Detail) (Interest Rate Swap [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Termination date of interest rate swap	16-Jul-10
Interest expense amortization end date	31-Mar-14

Derivatives_Reclassification_o

Derivatives - Reclassification of Interest Amortization on Terminated Interest Rate Swaps from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Interest Income (Expense) (Detail) (Interest Rate Swap [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	$13	$21	$46	$69

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Summar

Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Summary of Earnings or Loss Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings (loss)	$394	$564	($3,081)	$1,805
Weighted-average shares outstanding	'	'	'	'
Basic	6,611	6,611	6,611	6,595
Diluted	6,611	6,633	6,611	6,610
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$0.06	$0.09	($0.47)	$0.27
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$0.06	$0.09	($0.47)	$0.27

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Summar1

Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Summary of Options Outstanding, Options Includable and Excludable from Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Dilutive Securities Included And Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total options outstanding	352	354	352	354
Incremental shares included in the diluted earnings (loss) per share	'	22	'	15
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Dilutive Securities Included And Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Options included in diluted earnings (loss) per share calculation	'	217	'	217
Options excluded from diluted earnings (loss) per share calculation	352	137	352	137

Comprehensive_Income_Loss_Summ

Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Summary of Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	($2,023)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	159
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	46
Ending Balance	-1,818
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	48
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	46
Ending Balance	94
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	-2,071
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	159
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'
Ending Balance	($1,912)

Comprehensive_Income_Loss_Summ1

Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract]	'
Interest rate swap-amortization	$46

Other_Current_Assets_Summary_o

Other Current Assets - Summary of Components of Other Current Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Prepaid Expense And Other Assets Current [Abstract]	'	'
Prepayments	$2,202	$2,170
Vendor and miscellaneous receivables	1,246	901
Other current assets, total	$3,448	$3,071

Intangible_Assets_Summary_of_C

Intangible Assets - Summary of Components of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$7,364	$7,634
Software Development [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	3,086	2,879
Less accumulated amortization, net of impairment	-2,676	-2,543
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	410	336
ERP internal software system [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	4,393	4,368
Less accumulated amortization, net of impairment	-4,224	-4,148
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	169	220
Trademarks, trade names and patents [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	7,131	6,844
Less accumulated amortization, net of impairment	-2,328	-2,110
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	4,803	4,734
Product software impairment charges [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	1,547	1,468
Less accumulated amortization, net of impairment	-1,102	-1,041
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	445	427
Customer relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	5,035	5,040
Less accumulated amortization, net of impairment	-3,498	-3,123
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$1,537	$1,917

Intangible_Assets_Additional_I

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Intangible asset impairment charges	$0	$0	$0	$0

Intangible_Assets_Anticipated_

Intangible Assets - Anticipated Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]	'
2014	$800
2015	800
2016	700
2017	300
2018	300
Total	$2,900

Recovered_Sheet3

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	Aug. 03, 2012
	Product
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Number of products under allegation	30

Commitment_and_Contingencies_O

Commitment and Contingencies - Outstanding Inventory Purchase Orders (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Outstanding Inventory Purchase Orders [Abstract]	'	'
Open purchase orders	$22,667	$15,165

Recovered_Sheet4

Product Warranty Costs and Inventory Valuation Reserves - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Product Warranty Period	'1 year
Sales Duration for Warranty Reserve Calculation	'6 months

Recovered_Sheet5

Product Warranty Costs and Inventory Valuation Reserves - Roll Forward of Warranty Reserve (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Movement In Standard And Extended Product Warranty Increase Decrease [Roll Forward]	'	'
Accrued product warranty costs, beginning of period	$1,040	$1,191
Warranty provision	1,406	2,387
Warranty expenditures	-1,646	-2,538
Accrued product warranty costs, end of period	$800	$1,040

Product_Warranty_Costs_and_Inv2

Product Warranty Costs and Inventory Valuation Reserves - Roll-forward of Liquidation Reserve Classified as Contra Inventory (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Liquidation Reserve [Abstract]	'	'
Liquidation reserve, beginning of period	$1,134	$999
Liquidation provision	1,820	2,300
Liquidation of models	-2,047	-2,165
Liquidation reserve, end of period	$907	$1,134

Product_Warranty_Costs_and_Inv3

Product Warranty Costs and Inventory Valuation Reserves - Roll-forward of NRV Reserve Classified as Contra Inventory (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Realizable Reserve [Abstract]	'	'
Net realizable reserve, beginning of period	$263	$118
NRV provision	365	512
NRV write-offs	-240	-367
Net realizable reserve, end of period	$388	$263

Recovered_Sheet6

Interest Expense and Other Income (Expense) - Components of Interest Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest expenses	$205	$277	$515	$765
Interest on debt [Member]	'	'	'	'
Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest expenses	162	193	391	506
Amortization of loan fees [Member]	'	'	'	'
Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest expenses	30	63	78	190
Interest rate swap amortization [Member]	'	'	'	'
Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest expenses	$13	$21	$46	$69

Recovered_Sheet7

Interest Expense and Other Income (Expense) - Components of Other Income (Expense) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Other income (expense)	$359	$336	$798	$685
CSV income (expense) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Other income (expense)	301	274	865	509
Foreign exchange (expense) income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Other income (expense)	-7	17	-113	48
Other Expense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Component of Other Expense, Nonoperating [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Other income (expense)	$65	$45	$46	$128