Ultralife (ULBI) 10-Q 4 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Document And Entity Information	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Ultralife Corporation
Entity Central Index Key	'0000875657
Document Type	'10-Q
Document Period End Date	28-Sep-14
Amendment Flag	'false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31
Is Entity a Well-known Seasoned Issuer?	'No
Is Entity a Voluntary Filer?	'No
Is Entity's Reporting Status Current?	'No
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	17,397,010
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014

Balance_Sheets_Unaudited

Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$15,571,000	$16,489,000
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts o f$284 and $288, respectively	10,470,000	14,238,000
Inventories, net	28,500,000	26,053,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,515,000	1,357,000
Due from insurance company	428,000	430,000
Deferred income taxes	86,000	91,000
Total current assets	56,570,000	58,658,000
Property, equipment and improvements, net	9,897,000	10,202,000
Goodwill	16,407,000	16,419,000
Other intangible assets, net	4,413,000	4,646,000
Security deposits and other non-current assets	253,000	269,000
Total assets	87,540,000	90,194,000
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	7,142,000	7,053,000
Accrued compensation and related benefits	1,565,000	1,908,000
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	3,278,000	3,111,000
Accrued income taxes	40,000	94,000
Deferred income taxes	9,000	9,000
Total current liabilities	12,034,000	12,175,000
Deferred income taxes	4,407,000	4,242,000
Other non-current liabilities	89,000	132,000
Total liabilities	16,530,000	16,549,000
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock - par value $.10 per share; authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued	0	0
Common stock - par value $.10 per share; authorized 40,000,000 shares; issued - 18,941,544 shares at September 28, 2014 and 18,851,579 shares at December 31, 2013	1,894,000	1,888,000
Capital in excess of par value	175,698,000	174,932,000
Accumulated deficit	-97,773,000	-94,804,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-450,000	-614,000
Treasury stock - at cost; 1,383,977 shares at March 30, 2014 and 1,372,757 shares	-8,247,000	-7,658,000
Total Ultralife equity	71,122,000	73,744,000
Noncontrolling interest	-112,000	-99,000
Total shareholders' equity	71,010,000	73,645,000
Total liabiltiies and shareholders' equity	$87,540,000	$90,194,000

Balance_Sheets_Parenthetical

Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Trade accounts receivable allowance for doubtful accounts	$289,000	$288,000
Preferred stock - par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	18,941,544	18,851,579
Treasury stock shares	1,544,534	1,372,757

Statements_of_Operations_Unaud

Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$16,062,000	$20,361,000	$46,546,000	$58,659,000
Cost of products sold	11,576,000	14,234,000	33,513,000	41,631,000
Gross profit	4,486,000	6,127,000	13,033,000	17,028,000
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Research and development	1,014,000	1,418,000	4,010,000	4,456,000
Selling, general and administrative	3,527,000	4,057,000	11,498,000	13,419,000
Total operating expenses	4,541,000	5,475,000	15,508,000	17,875,000
Operating (loss) income	-55,000	652,000	-2,475,000	-847,000
Other (expense) income:	'	'	'	'
Interest income	3,000	13,000	12,000	27,000
Interest and financing expense	-56,000	-66,000	-153,000	-199,000
Miscellaneous	-158,000	-8,000	-128,000	-31,000
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	-266,000	591,000	-2,744,000	-1,050,000
Income tax provision (benefit)	60,000	-16,000	177,000	135,000
Net (loss) income from continuing operations	-326,000	607,000	-2,921,000	-1,185,000
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	15,000	-61,000	159,000
Net (loss) income	-326,000	622,000	-2,982,000	-1,026,000
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	3,000	22,000	13,000	31,000
Net (loss) income attributable to Ultralife	-323,000	644,000	-2,969,000	-995,000
Other comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	29,000	32,000	164,000	53,000
Comprehensive loss attributable to Ultralife	($294,000)	$676,000	($2,805,000)	($942,000)
Net (loss) income per share attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - Basic:	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	($0.02)	'	($0.17)	($0.07)
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	'	$0	$0.01
Total (in dollars per share)	($0.02)	'	($0.17)	$0.06
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	17,490	17,467	17,510	17,461
Net income per share attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - Diluted	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	'	$0.04	'	'
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	'	$0	'	'
Total (in dollars per share)	'	$0.04	'	'

Statements_of_Cash_Flows_Unaud

Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net (loss) income	($2,982,000)	($1,026,000)
Loss (gain) from discontinued operations, net of tax	61,000	-159,000
Depreciation and amortization of financing fees	2,227,000	2,331,000
Amortization of intangible assets	232,000	301,000
Loss on long-lived asset impairment'	0	56,000
Foreign exchange loss	0	33,000
Stock-based compensation	761,000	740,000
Changes in deferred income taxes	165,000	170,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	3,755,000	5,380,000
Inventories	-2,460,000	2,622,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-197,000	-231,000
Accounts payable and other liabilities	-1,057,000	-7,818,000
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations	505,000	2,399,000
Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations	0	-998,000
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	505,000	1,401,000
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Cash paid for property, equipment and improvements	-968,000	-736,000
Change in restricted cash	0	-2,000
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations	-968,000	-738,000
Net cash provided by investing activities from discontinued operations	'	182,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-968,000	-556,000
Cash paid to repurchase treasury stock	-589,000	0
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock	11,000	12,000
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-578,000	12,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	123,000	-148,000
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-918,000	709,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	16,489,000	9,656,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$15,571,000	$10,365,000

Statements_of_Cash_Flows_Paren

Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]	'	'
Construction in process included in accounts payable	$903,000	$0

Note_1_Basis_of_Presentation

Note 1. Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
		1	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Ultralife Corporation (the “Company”) and subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Rule 8-03 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been included. Results for interim periods should not be considered indicative of results to be expected for a full year. Reference should be made to the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto contained in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	The December 31, 2013 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.
	Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
	Our monthly closing schedule is a 4/4/5 weekly-based cycle for each fiscal quarter, as opposed to a calendar month-based cycle for each fiscal quarter. While the actual dates for the quarter-ends will change slightly each year, we believe that there are not any material differences when making quarterly comparisons.

Note_2_Share_Repurchase_Progra

Note 2. Share Repurchase Program	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Note 2. Share Repurchase Program	'
		2	SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM
	On April 28, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program (the “Share Repurchase Program”) which became effective on May 1, 2014, under which the Company has the authorization to repurchase up to 1.8 million shares of its outstanding common stock over a period not to exceed twelve months.  Share repurchases will be made in accordance with SEC Rule 10b-18 using a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions and block trades, or any combination of such methods, in accordance with applicable insider trading and other securities laws and regulations. The timing, manner, price and amount of any repurchase will be determined at the Company’s discretion and the Share Repurchase Program may be suspended, terminated or modified by the Company at any time and for any reason.  The Share Repurchase Program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any specific number of shares.
	During the three month period ended September 28, 2014, the Company repurchased 160,557 shares under this program, for an aggregate cost of $550.

Note_3_Inventories

Note 3. Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Note 3. Inventories	'
		3	INVENTORIES
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined under the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The composition of inventories was:
			September 28,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Raw materials		$	16,749	$	16,239
	Work in process			1,814		1,701
	Finished goods			9,937		8,113
	Total		$	28,500	$	26,053

Note_4_Property_Equipment_and_

Note 4. Property, Equipment and Improvements	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Note 4. Property, Equipment and Improvements	'
		4	PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS
	Major classes of property, equipment and improvements consisted of the following:
			September 28,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Land		$	123		$	123
	Buildings and leasehold improvements			7,565			7,412
	Machinery and equipment			47,889			47,405
	Furniture and fixtures			1,954			1,866
	Computer hardware and software			4,288			4,247
	Construction in process			2,160			1,073
				63,979			62,126
	Less-accumulated depreciation			(54,082	)		(51,924	)
	Net property, equipment and improvements		$	9,897		$	10,202
	Depreciation expense for property, equipment and improvements was as follows:
			Three-month periods ended						Nine-month periods ended
			September 28,			September 29,			September 28,		September 29,
			2014			2013			2014		2013
	Depreciation expense		$	709		$	720		$	2,174	$	2,279

Note_5_Goodwill_Intangible_Ass

Note 5. Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long Term Assets	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Note 5. Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long Term Assets	'
		5	GOODWILL, INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND LONG TERM ASSETS
	a. Goodwill
	The following table summarizes the goodwill activity by segment for the nine-month periods ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013:
			Battery &			Communi-
			Energy			cations
			Products			Systems			Total
	Balance - December 31, 2012		$	4,851		$	11,493		$	16,344
	Effect of foreign currency translation			61			—			61
	Balance – September 29, 2013			4,912			11,493			16,405
	Effect of foreign currency translation			14			—			14
	Balance - December 31, 2013			4,926			11,493			16,419
	Effect of foreign currency translation			(12	)		—			(12	)
	Balance – September 28, 2014		$	4,914		$	11,493		$	16,407
	b. Intangible Assets
	The composition of intangible assets was:
			at September 28, 2014
						Accumulated
			Cost			amortization			Net
	Trademarks		$	3,567		$	—		$	3,567
	Patents and technology			4,509			(4,070	)		439
	Customer relationships			4,028			(3,650	)		378
	Distributor relationships			391			(362	)		29
	Non-compete agreements			218			(218	)		—
	Total intangible assets		$	12,713		$	(8,300	)	$	4,413
				at December 31, 2013
							Accumulated
				Cost			amortization			Net
	Trademarks		$	3,568		$	—		$	3,568
	Patents and technology			4,511			(3,941	)		570
	Customer relationships			4,033			(3,562	)		471
	Distributor relationships			393			(356	)		37
	Non-compete agreements			218			(218	)		—
	Total intangible assets		$	12,723		$	(8,077	)	$	4,646
	Amortization expense for intangible assets was as follows:
			Three-month periods ended						Nine-month periods ended
			September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Amortization included in:
	Research and development		$	44		$	56		$	131		$	167
	Selling, general and administrative			34			46			101			134
	Total amortization expense		$	78		$	102		$	232		$	301
	The change in the cost value of total intangible assets from December 31, 2013 to September 28, 2014 is a result of the effect of

Note_6_Revolving_Credit_Agreem

Note 6 Revolving Credit Agreement	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Note 6 Revolving Credit Agreement	'
		6	REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
	We have financing through a Revolving Credit, Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of May 24, 2013, (the “Credit Agreement”) and related security agreements with PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC”), which provides a $20 million secured asset-based revolving credit facility that includes a $1 million letter of credit sub-facility (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Agreement provides that the Credit Facility may be increased with PNC’s concurrence to an amount not to exceed $35 million, provided such increase must occur prior to the last six months of the term, which expires on May 24, 2017.
	Our available borrowing limit under the Credit Facility is based on a borrowing base formula equal to a percentage of accounts receivable, inventory and eligible foreign in-transit inventory. Interest is payable quarterly and accrues on outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Agreement at either a LIBOR-based rate or an alternate base rate, as defined in the Credit Agreement. We pay a quarterly fee on the Credit Facility’s unused availability at 0.375% per annum.
	As of September 28, 2014, we had approximately $11,900 of borrowing capacity in addition to our cash on hand of $15,571, and we had no outstanding borrowings or outstanding letters of credit under the Credit Facility at either September 28, 2014 or December 31, 2013.
	On April 30, 2014, the Company and PNC entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement. The Amendment permits the Company to commence the Share Repurchase Program described in Note 2 above, provided that (a) the Company is not in default under the Credit Agreement, (b) the Company’s undrawn availability under the Credit Agreement is at least $6 million both prior to and immediately following any repurchase, (c) the Company’s undrawn availability under the Credit Agreement plus domestic unrestricted cash is at least $8 million both prior to and immediately following any repurchase, and (d) the Company uses its unrestricted cash for such repurchases and does not request advances against the Credit Agreement for such purposes.
	On October 28, 2014, the Company and PNC entered into a second amendment to the Credit Agreement which modifies the definition of EBITDA in the Credit Agreement to include non-cash stock- based compensation expense.

Note_7_Shareholders_Equity

Note 7 Shareholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Note 7 Shareholders' Equity	'
		7	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	a. Common Stock
	In the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2014, we issued 17,018 and 45,810 shares of common stock to our non-employee directors, respectively, valued at $57 and $170, respectively.
	b. Stock Options
	We have stock options outstanding from various stock-based employee compensation plans, for which we record compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions in our financial statements. Compensation cost related to stock options was $142 and $131 for the three-month periods ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively, and $430 and $521 for the nine-month periods ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively. As of September 28, 2014, there was $554 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.2 years.
	c. Restricted Stock Awards
	Our President and Chief Executive Officer holds 120,000 restricted stock units, 30,000 of which vested during the nine month period ended September 28, 2014. Included in stock compensation expense in the three and nine months ended September 28, 2014 was $34 and $117, respectively, relating to these restricted stock units. Included in stock compensation expense in the three and nine months ended September 29, 2013 was $122 and $162, respectively, relating to these restricted stock units. There is $33 of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units as of September 28, 2014.
	In addition, 49,200 shares of restricted stock were awarded to certain of the Company’s employees during the three month period ended September 28, 2014. Included in stock compensation expense in the three and nine months ended September 28, 2014 was $4 related to these awards, and there is $155 of unrecognized compensation cost related to these restricted shares as of September 28, 2014.

Note_8_Income_Taxes

Note 8 Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Note 8 Income Taxes	'
		8	INCOME TAXES
	The asset and liability method is used in accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
	For the three-month periods ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, we recorded $60 and $(16), respectively, in income tax expense (benefit). For the nine-month periods ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, we recorded $177 and $135, respectively, in income tax expense. The expense is primarily due to the recognition of deferred tax liabilities generated from goodwill and certain intangible assets that cannot be predicted to reverse for book purposes during our loss carryforward periods. The remaining expense in 2014 was due to state income taxes, and in 2013 was primarily due to the income reported for our China operations during the period.
	Our effective consolidated tax rates for the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 were:
			Three-month periods ended						Nine-month periods ended
			September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Income (loss) from
	continuing operations
	before income taxes (a)		$	(266	)	$	591		$	(2,744	)	$	(1,050	)
	Income tax provision (benefit) (b)			60			(16	)		177			135
	Effective income tax rate (b/a)			-22.6	%		-2.7	%		-6.5	%		-12.9	%
	The overall effective tax rate is the result of the combination of income and losses in each of our tax jurisdictions, which is particularly influenced by the fact that we have recorded a full reserve against our deferred tax assets pertaining to cumulative historical losses for our U.S. operations and our U.K. subsidiary, as management does not believe, at this time, that it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefit of these losses. We have substantial net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards which offset taxable income in the United States. However, we remain subject to the alternative minimum tax in the United States. The alternative minimum tax limits the amount of NOL available to offset taxable income to 90% of the current year income. We incurred $0 and $12 in alternative minimum tax for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2013, respectively, and no alternative minimum tax in 2014. The payment of the alternative minimum tax normally results in the establishment of a deferred tax asset; however, we have established a valuation allowance for this related deferred tax asset.
	As of September 28, 2014, we have foreign and domestic NOL’s totaling approximately $65,000 available to reduce future taxable income. Foreign loss carryforwards of approximately $12,500 can be carried forward indefinitely. The domestic NOL carryforward of approximately $52,500 expires from 2019 through 2034. The domestic NOL carryforward includes approximately $2,949 for which a benefit will be recorded in capital in excess of par value when realized.
	Our unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions at September 28, 2014 relate to Federal and various state jurisdictions. The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits:
			Nine month periods ended
			September 28,			September 29,
			2014			2013
	Balance – beginning of period		$	7,296		$	7,508
	Increases related to current year tax positions			—			—
	Increases related to prior year tax positions			—			—
	Decreases related to prior year tax positions			—			—
	Expiration of statute of limitations for assessment of taxes			—			—
	Settlements			—			—
	Balance – end of period		$	7,296		$	7,508
	The unrecognized tax benefits balance has been recorded as a decrease in the deferred tax asset relating to our NOL carryforward. Because we have recorded a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, the unrecognized tax benefits balance has no effect on our net (loss) income or financial position, as presented. Interest and penalties would begin to accrue in the period in which the NOL carryforwards related to the uncertain tax positions are utilized. We do not expect our unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next twelve months.
	We file income tax returns in various jurisdictions including U.S. federal, U.S. state and foreign jurisdictions. We are routinely subject to examination by taxing authorities in these various jurisdictions. Our U.S. tax matters for the years 2000 through 2013 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and by various state and local tax jurisdictions due to our NOL carryforwards. Our tax matters for the years 2007 through 2013 remain subject to examination by the respective foreign tax jurisdiction authorities. The IRS has completed the examination of our 2009 U.S. federal income tax return, with no resulting material effect to our financial position or results of operations, and has initiated an examination of our 2011 and 2012 U.S. federal income tax returns.

Note_9_Earnings_Per_Share

Note 9 Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Note 9 Earnings Per Share	'
		9	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	We have adopted the guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) for determining whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities. The guidance requires that all outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (such as restricted stock awards granted by us) be considered participating securities. Because restricted stock awards are participating securities, we are required to apply the two-class method of computing basic and diluted earnings per share (the “Two-Class Method”).
	Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is determined using the Two-Class Method and is computed by dividing earnings attributable to the Company’s common shareholders by the weighted-average shares outstanding during the period. The Two-Class Method is an earnings allocation formula that determines EPS for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Diluted EPS includes the dilutive effect of securities, if any, and reflects the more dilutive EPS amount calculated using the treasury stock method or the Two-Class Method. Due to our net losses in the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2014 and the nine month period ended September 29, 2013, no dilutive securities were considered in those periods.
	There were 2,020,588 outstanding stock options at September 29, 2013 that were not included in the calculation of EPS for the three month period ended September 29, 2013 because the effect would be anti-dilutive. No outstanding stock options were included in the calculation of EPS for the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2014, or for the nine month period ended September 29, 2013.

Note_10_Commitments_and_Contin

Note 10 Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Note 10 Commitments and Contingencies	'
		10	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	a. Purchase Commitments
	As of September 28, 2014, we have made commitments to purchase approximately $463 of production machinery and equipment.
	b. Product Warranties
	We estimate future costs associated with expected product failure rates, material usage and service costs in the development of our warranty obligations. Warranty reserves are based on historical experience of warranty claims and generally will be estimated as a percentage of sales over the warranty period. In the event the actual results of these items differ from the estimates, an adjustment to the warranty obligation would be recorded. Changes in our product warranty liability during the first nine months of 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
			Nine month periods ended
			28-Sep-14			29-Sep-13
	Accrued warranty obligations – beginning		$	513		$	607
	Accruals for warranties issued			77			174
	Settlements made			(90	)		(68	)
	Accrued warranty obligations – ending		$	500		$	713
	c. Contingencies and Legal Matters
	We are subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise from time to time in the normal course of business. We believe that the final disposition of such matters, other than the matters described below, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	Arista Power Litigation
	On September 23, 2011, we initiated an action against Arista Power, Inc. (“Arista”) and our former senior sales and engineering employee, David Modeen (“Modeen”) in the State of New York Supreme Court, County of Wayne (the “Wayne County Action”).  In our initial Complaint, we alleged that Arista recruited all but one of the members of its executive team from us, subsequently changed and redirected its business to compete directly with us by using our confidential information, and during the summer of 2011, recruited Modeen to become an Arista employee.  We also allege that, as a result of actions by Arista and Modeen: (i) Modeen has breached the terms of his Employee Confidentiality, Non-Disclosure, Non-Compete, Non-Disparagement and Assignment Agreement with us as well as other obligations he owes us; (ii) Arista’s employment of Modeen will inevitably lead to the disclosure and use of our trade secrets by Arista, in violation of Modeen’s obligations to us; (iii) Arista unlawfully induced Modeen to breach his obligations to us; and (iv) Arista’s recruitment and employment of Modeen has breached a subcontract between Arista and us.  In February 2012, we amended our Complaint to allege more broadly that Arista has misappropriated our trade secrets and confidential and strategic information related to products, technical requirements, markets, customers and sales and marketing, including (but not solely) through the recruitment and employment of Modeen.  We seek damages as determined at trial and preliminary and permanent injunctive relief.  The defendants answered the allegations set forth in the Complaint and Amended Complaint, without asserting any counterclaims.
	On December 5, 2011, Arista served us with a Complaint it filed on November 29, 2011 in the State of New York Supreme Court, County of Monroe (the “Monroe County Action”) against us, our officers, several of our directors, and an employee.  In its Complaint, Arista alleges that we and the named defendants have violated the terms of a Confidentiality Agreement with Arista and have unfairly competed against Arista by unlawfully appropriating Arista’s trade secrets and that as a result of such activity, Arista has incurred damages in excess of $60,000, and seeks damages, an accounting, and preliminary and permanent injunctive relief. After various motions, two amendments to its original Complaint and discovery between the parties, Arista withdrew all of its claims against all defendants other than the Company and one employee and the Stipulation and Order dismissing those claims was filed on September 20, 2013. On March 16, 2014, Arista delivered a Stipulation of Discontinuance With Prejudice agreeing to withdraw all remaining claims against us and our employee with prejudice which would preclude Arista from pursuing the claims that had been asserted in the Monroe County Action against us and our employee in a new suit or as counterclaims in the Wayne County Action.
	The Company’s Wayne County Action continues and discovery is in process.
	d. Other Matters – China Manufacturing Facility Move
	During the first quarter of 2014, we received an informal notice from the landlord of our China facility that we may not be able to extend our lease past its expiration in October 2014 due to possible zoning changes in the village where the facility is located. In response to this informal notification, we changed the period over which the China plant’s leasehold improvements are being depreciated to coincide with the expiration of the lease in October 2014.
	During the second quarter of 2014, the landlord confirmed to us that the lease for our China facility would not be extended, and we commenced a search for an alternate site to relocate our facility. We also developed plans to increase our manufacturing output in advance of the move so as to minimize the disruption of such a move to both our customers and the Company’s operations.
	In July 2014, the Company’s subsidiary in China entered into a lease for a replacement facility, also located in Shenzhen. The lease has a five year term, includes two rent-free months, and requires rent payments of RMB117 (approximately $19 at the current exchange rate) per month for the first three years, increasing to RMB126 (approximately $20) per month for the final two years.
	In September 2014, the Company’s subsidiary in China entered into agreements with the local village government in Shenzhen, China and the subsidiary’s landlord for the facility the subsidiary is required to vacate. These agreements require the local government to compensate both the subsidiary and landlord for the building, leasehold improvements and additional expenses to be incurred in moving from this facility. The subsidiary’s share of this compensation was determined to be $740, and this amount was received during the third quarter.
	It is the Company’s policy to recognize this compensation as a pro-rata reduction of expenses as the expenses are recognized. The unrecognized balance is deferred and carried as a current liability.
	The Company estimates that the total expenses of moving, including forfeited leasehold improvements, moving costs, legal costs, labor retention incentives and business interruption costs will total approximately $900. During the three month period ended September 28, 2014, the Company recognized $356 of the government’s compensation as a reduction of expenses. Total expenses relating to the relocation were $351 and $475 in the three and nine month periods ended September 28, 2014.

Note_11_Business_Segment_Infor

Note 11 Business Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Note 11 Business Segment Information	'
		11	BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
	We report our results in two operating segments: Battery & Energy Products and Communications Systems. The Battery & Energy Products segment includes: lithium 9-volt, cylindrical and various other non-rechargeable batteries, in addition to rechargeable batteries, uninterruptable power supplies, charging systems and accessories, such as cables. The Communications Systems segment includes: power supplies, cable and connector assemblies, RF amplifiers, amplified speakers, equipment mounts, case equipment, integrated communication system kits and communications and electronics systems design. We believe that reporting performance at the gross profit level is the best indicator of segment performance. As such, we report segment performance at the gross profit level and operating expenses as Corporate charges.
	The components of segment performance were as follows:
	Three-Month Period Ended September 28, 2014:
			Battery & Energy Products		Communi- cations systems		Dis-			Corporate			Total
							continued operations
	Revenues		$	13,913	$	2,149	$	—		$	—		$	16,062
	Segment contribution			3,812		674		—			(4,541	)		(55	)
	Interest, financing
	and miscellaneous
	expense, net										(211	)		(211	)
	Tax provision										(60	)		(60	)
	Discontinued operations
	Noncontrolling interest										3			3
	Net loss attributable
	to Ultralife												$	(323	)
	Total assets		$	39,568	$	29,649	$	—		$	18,323		$	87,540
	Three-Month Period Ended September 29, 2013:
			Battery & Energy Products		Communi- cations systems		Dis-			Corporate			Total
							continued operations
	Revenues		$	13,507	$	6,854	$	—		$	—		$	20,361
	Segment contribution			3,601		2,526		—			(5,475	)		652
	Interest, financing
	and miscellaneous
	expense, net										(61	)		(61	)
	Tax benefit										16			16
	Discontinued operations							15						15
	Noncontrolling interest										22			22
	Net income attributable
	to Ultralife												$	644
	Total assets		$	42,679	$	32,268	$	—		$	13,728		$	88,675
	Nine-Month Period Ended September 28, 2014:
			Battery & Energy Products		Communi- cations systems		Dis-			Corporate			Total
							continued operations
	Revenues		$	40,000	$	6,546	$	—		$	—		$	46,546
	Segment contribution			10,489		2,544		—			(15,508	)		(2,475	)
	Interest, financing and
	miscellaneous expense, net										(269	)		(269	)
	Tax provision										(177	)		(177	)
	Discontinued operations							(61	)					(61	)
	Noncontrolling interest										13			13
	Net loss attributable
	to Ultralife												$	(2,969	)
	Nine-Month Period Ended September 29, 2013:
			Battery & Energy Products		Communi- cations systems		Dis-			Corporate			Total
							continued operations
	Revenues		$	41,216	$	17,443	$	—		$	—		$	58,659
	Segment contribution			10,191		6,837		—			(17,875	)		(847	)
	Interest, financing and
	miscellaneous expense, net										(203	)		(203	)
	Tax provision										(135	)		(135	)
	Discontinued operations							159						159
	Noncontrolling interest										31			31
	Net loss attributable
	to Ultralife												$	(995	)

Note_12_Fair_Value_of_Financia

Note 12 Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Note 12 Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
		12	FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	FASB’s guidance for the disclosure regarding fair value of financial instruments requires disclosure of an estimate of the fair value of certain financial instruments. The fair value of financial instruments pursuant to FASB’s guidance for the disclosure regarding fair value of financial instruments approximated their carrying values at September 28, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The fair value of cash, trade accounts receivable, trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates carrying value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

Note_13_Recent_Accounting_Pron

Note 13 Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Developments	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Note 13 Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Developments	'
		13	RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued authoritative guidance amending existing requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, discontinued operations reporting will be limited to disposal transactions that represent strategic shifts having a major effect on operations and financial results. The amended guidance also enhances disclosures and requires assets and liabilities of a discontinued operation to be classified as such for all periods presented in the financial statements. Public entities will apply the amended guidance prospectively to all disposals occurring within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within those years. The Company will adopt this standard on January 1, 2015. Due to the change in requirements for reporting discontinued operations described above, presentation and disclosures of future disposal transactions after adoption may be different than under current standards.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers, that outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The ASU is based on the principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to fulfill a contract. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach for the adoption of the new standard. The ASU becomes effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period; early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Note_3_Inventories_Tables

Note 3. Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Note 3. Inventories (Tables)	'
		September 28,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	16,749	$	16,239
	Work in process		1,814		1,701
	Finished goods		9,937		8,113
	Total	$	28,500	$	26,053

Note_4_Property_Equipment_and_1

Note 4. Property, Equipment and Improvements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Notes to Financial Statements	'
Property, Equipment and Improvements	'
		September 28,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Land	$	123		$	123
	Buildings and leasehold improvements		7,565			7,412
	Machinery and equipment		47,889			47,405
	Furniture and fixtures		1,954			1,866
	Computer hardware and software		4,288			4,247
	Construction in process		2,160			1,073
			63,979			62,126
	Less-accumulated depreciation		(54,082	)		(51,924	)
	Net property, equipment and improvements	$	9,897		$	10,202
Depreciation expense	'
		Three-month periods ended						Nine-month periods ended
		September 28,			September 29,			September 28,		September 29,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Depreciation expense	$	709		$	720		$	2,174	$	2,279

Note_5_Goodwill_Intangible_Ass1

Note 5. Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long Term Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Note 5. Goodwill Intangible Assets And Long Term Assets Tables	'
Schedule of goodwill activity by segment	'
		Battery &			Communi-
		Energy			cations
		Products			Systems			Total
	Balance - December 31, 2012	$	4,851		$	11,493		$	16,344
	Effect of foreign currency translation		61			—			61
	Balance – September 29, 2013		4,912			11,493			16,405
	Effect of foreign currency translation		14			—			14
	Balance - December 31, 2013		4,926			11,493			16,419
	Effect of foreign currency translation		(12	)		—			(12	)
	Balance – September 28, 2014	$	4,914		$	11,493		$	16,407
Schedule of intangible assets	'
		at September 28, 2014
					Accumulated
		Cost			amortization			Net
	Trademarks	$	3,567		$	—		$	3,567
	Patents and technology		4,509			(4,070	)		439
	Customer relationships		4,028			(3,650	)		378
	Distributor relationships		391			(362	)		29
	Non-compete agreements		218			(218	)		—
	Total intangible assets	$	12,713		$	(8,300	)	$	4,413
			at December 31, 2013
						Accumulated
			Cost			amortization			Net
	Trademarks	$	3,568		$	—		$	3,568
	Patents and technology		4,511			(3,941	)		570
	Customer relationships		4,033			(3,562	)		471
	Distributor relationships		393			(356	)		37
	Non-compete agreements		218			(218	)		—
	Total intangible assets	$	12,723		$	(8,077	)	$	4,646
Schedule of amortization expense	'
		Three-month periods ended						Nine-month periods ended
		September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Amortization included in:
	Research and development	$	44		$	56		$	131		$	167
	Selling, general and administrative		34			46			101			134
	Total amortization expense	$	78		$	102		$	232		$	301

Note_8_Income_Taxes_Tables

Note 8 Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Note 8 Income Taxes Tables	'
Schedule of effective tax rates	'
		Three-month periods ended						Nine-month periods ended
		September 28,			September 29,			September 28,			September 29,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Income (loss) from
	continuing operations
	before income taxes (a)	$	(266	)	$	591		$	(2,744	)	$	(1,050	)
	Income tax provision (benefit) (b)		60			(16	)		177			135
	Effective income tax rate (b/a)		-22.6	%		-2.7	%		-6.5	%		-12.9	%
Schedule of unrecognized tax benefits	'
		Nine month periods ended
		September 28,			September 29,
		2014			2013
	Balance – beginning of period	$	7,296		$	7,508
	Increases related to current year tax positions		—			—
	Increases related to prior year tax positions		—			—
	Decreases related to prior year tax positions		—			—
	Expiration of statute of limitations for assessment of taxes		—			—
	Settlements		—			—
	Balance – end of period	$	7,296		$	7,508

Note_10_Commitments_and_Contin1

Note 10 Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Note 10 Commitments And Contingencies Tables	'
Rollforward of accrued warranty obligations	'
		Nine month periods ended
		28-Sep-14			29-Sep-13
	Accrued warranty obligations – beginning	$	513		$	607
	Accruals for warranties issued		77			174
	Settlements made		(90	)		(68	)
	Accrued warranty obligations – ending	$	500		$	713

Note_11_Business_Segment_Infor1

Note 11 Business Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended																										9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014													Sep. 29, 2013													Sep. 28, 2014														Sep. 29, 2013
Note 11 Business Segment Information Tables	'													'													'														'
Components of segment performance - Three Month Period Ended March 30, 2014	'													'													'														'
		Battery & Energy Products		Communi- cations systems		Dis-		Corporate			Total				Battery & Energy Products		Communi- cations systems		Dis-		Corporate			Total				Battery & Energy Products		Communi- cations systems		Dis-			Corporate			Total				Battery & Energy Products		Communi- cations systems		Dis-		Corporate			Total
						continued operations													continued operations													continued operations														continued operations
	Revenues	$	13,913	$	2,149	$	—	$	—		$	16,062		Revenues	$	13,507	$	6,854	$	—	$	—		$	20,361		Revenues	$	40,000	$	6,546	$	—		$	—		$	46,546		Revenues	$	41,216	$	17,443	$	—	$	—		$	58,659
	Segment contribution		3,812		674		—		(4,541	)		(55	)	Segment contribution		3,601		2,526		—		(5,475	)		652		Segment contribution		10,489		2,544		—			(15,508	)		(2,475	)	Segment contribution		10,191		6,837		—		(17,875	)		(847	)
	Interest, financing													Interest, financing													Interest, financing and														Interest, financing and
	and miscellaneous													and miscellaneous													miscellaneous expense, net									(269	)		(269	)	miscellaneous expense, net								(203	)		(203	)
	expense, net								(211	)		(211	)	expense, net								(61	)		(61	)	Tax provision									(177	)		(177	)	Tax provision								(135	)		(135	)
	Tax provision								(60	)		(60	)	Tax benefit								16			16		Discontinued operations						(61	)					(61	)	Discontinued operations						159					159
	Discontinued operations													Discontinued operations						15					15		Noncontrolling interest									13			13		Noncontrolling interest								31			31
	Noncontrolling interest								3			3		Noncontrolling interest								22			22		Net loss attributable														Net loss attributable
	Net loss attributable													Net income attributable													to Ultralife											$	(2,969	)	to Ultralife										$	(995	)
	to Ultralife										$	(323	)	to Ultralife										$	644
	Total assets	$	39,568	$	29,649	$	—	$	18,323		$	87,540		Total assets	$	42,679	$	32,268	$	—	$	13,728		$	88,675

Note_2_Share_Repurchase_Progra1

Note 2 Share Repurchase Program (Detail Narrative) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Note 2 Share Repurchase Program Detail Narrative	'
Maximum number of shares to be repurchased under Share Repurchase Plan through April 30, 2015 (in thousands of shares)	1,800
Number of shares repurchased	160,557
Aggregate cost of shares repurchased	$550,000

Note_3_Inventories_Detail

Note 3. Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$16,749,000	$16,239,000
Work in process	1,814,000	1,701,000
Finished goods	9,937,000	8,113,000
Total	$28,500,000	$26,053,000

Note_4_Property_Equipment_and_2

Note 4. Property, Equipment and Improvements (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Note 4. Property Equipment And Improvements Detail	'	'
Land	$123,000	$123,000
Buildings and leasehold improvements	7,565,000	7,412,000
Machinery and equipment	47,889,000	47,405,000
Furniture and fixtures	1,954,000	1,866,000
Computer hardware and software	4,288,000	4,247,000
Construction in progress	2,160,000	1,073,000
Total cost	63,979,000	62,126,000
Less-accumulated depreciation	-54,082,000	-51,924,000
Net property, equipment and improvements	$9,897,000	$10,202,000

Note_4_Property_Equipment_and_3

Note 4 Property Equipment and Improvements (Detail Narrative) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Note 4 Property Equipment And Improvements Detail Narrative	'	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	$709,000	$720,000	$2,174,000	$2,279,000

Note_5_Goodwill_Intangible_Ass2

Note 5 Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long Term Assets Goodwill Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Goodwill beginning	$16,405,000	$16,419,000	$16,344,000
Goodwill Translation Adjustments	14,000	-12,000	61,000
Goodwill ending	16,419,000	16,407,000	16,405,000
Battery and Energy Products	'	'	'
Goodwill beginning	4,912,000	4,926,000	4,851,000
Goodwill Translation Adjustments	14,000	-12,000	61,000
Goodwill ending	4,926,000	4,914,000	4,912,000
Communications Systems	'	'	'
Goodwill beginning	11,493,000	11,493,000	11,493,000
Goodwill Translation Adjustments	0	0	0
Goodwill ending	$11,493,000	$11,493,000	$11,493,000

Note_5_Goodwill_Intangible_Ass3

Note 5 Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long Term Assets Composition of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cost	$12,713,000	$12,723,000
Accumulated amortization	-8,300,000	-8,077,000
Net	4,413,000	4,646,000
Trademarks	'	'
Cost	3,567,000	'
Accumulated amortization	0	'
Net	3,567,000	'
Patents and technology	'	'
Cost	4,509,000	'
Accumulated amortization	-4,070,000	'
Net	439,000	'
Customer Relationships	'	'
Cost	4,028,000	'
Accumulated amortization	-3,650,000	'
Net	378,000	'
Distributor Relationships	'	'
Cost	391,000	'
Accumulated amortization	-362,000	'
Net	29,000	'
NonCompete Agreements	'	'
Cost	218,000	'
Accumulated amortization	-218,000	'
Net	0	'
Trademarks	'	'
Cost	'	3,568,000
Accumulated amortization	'	0
Net	'	3,568,000
Patents and technology	'	'
Cost	'	4,511,000
Accumulated amortization	'	-3,941,000
Net	'	570,000
Customer Relationships	'	'
Cost	'	4,033,000
Accumulated amortization	'	-3,562,000
Net	'	471,000
Distributor Relationships	'	'
Cost	'	393,000
Accumulated amortization	'	-356,000
Net	'	37,000
NonCompete Agreements	'	'
Cost	'	218,000
Accumulated amortization	'	-218,000
Net	'	$0

Note_5_Goodwill_Intangible_Ass4

Note 5 Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long Term Assets (Detail Narrative) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Amortization expense - intangible assets	$78,000	$102,000	$232,000	$301,000
Selling General And Administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Amortization expense - intangible assets	34,000	46,000	101,000	134,000
Research And Development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Amortization expense - intangible assets	$44,000	$56,000	$131,000	$167,000

Note_6_Revolving_Credit_Agreem1

Note 6 Revolving Credit Agreement (Detail Narrative) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	24-May-17	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 6 Revolving Credit Agreement Detail Narrative	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$20,000,000	'	'	'	'
Letter of credit sub-facility	1,000,000	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Maximum Borrowing Capacity may be increased in the last six months of the term	'	35,000,000	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.38%	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	0	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	11,900,000	'	'	'	'
Cash on hand	$15,571,000	'	$16,489,000	$10,365,000	$9,656,000

Note_7_Shareholders_Equity_Det

Note 7 Shareholders' Equity (Detail Narrative) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Note 7 Shareholders Equity Detail Narrative	'	'	'	'
Common stock shares issued to non-employee directors (number of shares)	17,018	'	45,810	'
Common stock shares issued to non-employee directors - value	$57,000	'	$170,000	'
Compensation cost realated to stock options	142,000	131,000	430,000	521,000
Unrecognized stock option compensation cost	554,000	'	554,000	'
Weighted average period over which unrecognized stock option compensation cost will be recognized (in years)	'1 year 2 months	'	'	'
Compensation cost related to restricted stock awards	34,000	122,000	117,000	162,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards	33,000	'	33,000	'
Number of shares vested - restricted stock awards	'	'	30,000	'
NumberOfSharesRestrictedStockUnitsIssuedToCEO	120,000	'	120,000	'
Compensation cost related to restricted stock awards	4,000	'	4,000	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards	$155,000	'	$155,000	'
NumberSharesRestrictedStockIssuedToOtherEmployees	49,200	'	49,200	'

Note_8_Income_Taxes_Effective_

Note 8 - Income Taxes Effective consolidated tax rate (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Note 8 - Income Taxes Effective Consolidated Tax Rate Detail	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before Income Taxes (a)	($266,000)	$591,000	($2,744,000)	($1,050,000)
Total Income Tax Provision (b)	$60,000	($16,000)	$177,000	$135,000
Effective Tax Rate (b/a)	-22.60%	-2.70%	-6.50%	-12.90%

Note_8_Income_Taxes_Unrecogniz

Note 8 Income Taxes Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 8 Income Taxes Unrecognized Tax Benefits Detail	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits - beginning	$7,296,000	$7,296,000	$7,508,000	$7,508,000
Unrecognized tax benefits - ending	$7,296,000	$7,296,000	$7,508,000	$7,508,000

Note_8_Income_Taxes_Detail_Nar

Note 8 Income Taxes (Detail Narrative) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Note 8 Income Taxes Detail Narrative	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense	$60,000	($16,000)	$177,000	$135,000
Alternative Minimum Tax incurred	0	0	0	12,000
Foreign and domestic Net Operating Loss Carryforward	65,000,000	'	65,000,000	'
Domestic Net Operating Loss Carryforward	52,500,000	'	52,500,000	'
Foreign Net Operating Loss Carryforward	12,500,000	'	12,500,000	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Amount Recorded In Equity Upon Realization	$2,949,000	'	$2,949,000	'

Note_9_Earnings_Per_Share_Deta

Note 9 Earnings Per Share (Detail Narrative)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Note 9 Earnings Per Share Detail Narrative	'
Number of stock options excluded from calculation of Earnings Per Share	2,020,588

Note_10_Commitments_and_Contin2

Note 10 Commitments and Contingencies Warranty Activity (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Note 10 Commitments And Contingencies Warranty Activity Detail	'	'
Accrued warranty obligations - beginning	$513,000	$607,000
Accrual for warranties issued	77,000	174,000
Settlements made	-90,000	-68,000
Accrued warranty obligations - ending	$500,000	$713,000

Note_10_Commitments_and_Contin3

Note 10 Commitments and Contingencies (Detail Narrative) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	24 Months Ended	36 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2017
Note 10 Commitments And Contingencies Detail Narrative	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	$463,000	'	'	$463,000	'	'
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	'	60,000,000	'	'	'	'
New China lease term	'5 years	'	'	'	'	'
New China lease - number of rent-free months	'2 months	'	'	'	'	'
New China lease - monthly rent (RMB)	'	'	'	'	126,000	117,000
New China lease - monthly rent (thousands of USD)	'	'	'	'	20,000	19,000
Estimated China move expense	'	'	900,000	'	'	'
China factory move expense recognized	351,000	'	'	475,000	'	'
Total Government Reimbursement of Move Related Expenses Recognized	356,000	'	'	'	'	'
Total Government Reimbursement of Move Related Expenses Received	$740,000	'	'	'	'	'

Note_11_Business_Segment_Infor2

Note 11 Business Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues	$16,062,000	$20,361,000	$46,546,000	$58,659,000	'
Segment contribution	-55,000	652,000	-2,475,000	-847,000	'
Interest, financing and miscellaneous expense, net	-211,000	-61,000	-269,000	-203,000	'
Tax provision	-60,000	16,000	-177,000	-135,000	'
Discontinued operations	0	15,000	-61,000	159,000	'
Noncontrolling interest	3,000	22,000	13,000	31,000	'
Net (loss) income attributable to Ultralife	-323,000	644,000	-2,969,000	-995,000	'
Total assets	87,540,000	88,675,000	87,540,000	88,675,000	90,194,000
Battery and Energy Products	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	13,913,000	13,507,000	40,000,000	41,216,000	'
Segment contribution	3,812,000	3,601,000	10,489,000	10,191,000	'
Total assets	39,568,000	42,679,000	39,568,000	42,679,000	'
Communications Systems	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	2,149,000	6,854,000	6,546,000	17,443,000	'
Segment contribution	674,000	2,526,000	2,544,000	6,837,000	'
Total assets	29,649,000	32,268,000	29,649,000	32,268,000	'
Discontinued Operations	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	0	0	'	'	'
Segment contribution	0	0	'	'	'
Discontinued operations	0	15,000	-61,000	159,000	'
Total assets	0	0	0	0	'
Corporate	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	0	0	0	0	'
Segment contribution	-4,541,000	-5,475,000	-15,508,000	-17,875,000	'
Interest, financing and miscellaneous expense, net	-211,000	-61,000	-269,000	-203,000	'
Tax provision	-60,000	16,000	-177,000	-135,000	'
Noncontrolling interest	3,000	22,000	13,000	31,000	'
Total assets	$18,323,000	$13,728,000	$18,323,000	$13,728,000	'