Ultralife (ULBI) 10-Q 8 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013	Nov. 01, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ULTRALIFE CORP	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	17,474,249
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000875657	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Document Period End Date	29-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$10,365	$9,656
Restricted cash	420	422
Trade accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accountsof $295 at September 29, 2013 and $322 at December 31, 2012)	15,571	20,913
Inventories	27,829	30,370
Due from insurance company	427	723
Deferred tax asset - current	157	120
Income taxes receivable	120	28
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,251	1,590
Total current assets	56,140	63,822
Property, plant and equipment, net	10,836	12,415
Other assets:	'	'
Goodwill	16,405	16,344
Intangible assets, net	4,745	5,039
Security deposits and other long-term assets	549	98
	21,699	21,481
Total Assets	88,675	97,718
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	6,057	11,357
Income taxes payable	2	2
Deferred tax liability - current	75	'
Other current liabilities	4,949	8,533
Total current liabilities	11,083	19,892
Long-term liabilities:	'	'
Deferred tax liability - long-term	4,298	4,160
Other long-term liabilities	59	210
Total long-term liabilities	4,357	4,370
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)	'	'
Ultralife equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share, authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued or outstanding	'	'
Common stock, par value $0.10 per share, authorized 40,000,000 shares; issued - 18,847,006 at September 29, 2013 and 18,828,734 at December 31, 2012	1,888	1,886
Capital in excess of par value	174,541	173,791
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-567	-620
Accumulated deficit	-94,873	-93,878
	80,989	81,179
Less --Treasury stock, at cost -- 1,372,757 shares at September 29, 2013 and 1,372,757 shares at December 31, 2012	7,658	7,658
Total Ultralife equity	73,331	73,521
Noncontrolling interest	-96	-65
Total shareholders' equity	73,235	73,456
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$88,675	$97,718

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Trade accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in Dollars)	$295	$322
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
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	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	18,847,006	18,828,734
Treasury stock, shares	1,372,757	1,372,757

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues	$20,361	$26,181	$58,659	$72,388
Cost of products sold	14,234	17,962	41,631	53,109
Gross profit	6,127	8,219	17,028	19,279
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Research and development (including $56, $65, $167 and $195, respectively, of amortization of intangible assets)	1,418	1,596	4,456	5,706
Selling, general, and administrative (including $46, $57, $134 and $177, respectively, of amortization of intangible assets)	4,057	4,869	13,419	16,041
Total operating expenses	5,475	6,465	17,875	21,747
Operating income (loss)	652	1,754	-847	-2,468
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest income	13	1	27	4
Interest expense	-66	-97	-199	-316
Miscellaneous	-8	-15	-31	17
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	591	1,643	-1,050	-2,763
Income tax provision (benefit)-current	-19	120	42	387
Income tax provision-deferred	3	55	93	50
Total income tax provision (benefit)	-16	175	135	437
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	607	1,468	-1,185	-3,200
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	15	200	159	178
Net income (loss)	622	1,668	-1,026	-3,022
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	22	11	31	31
Net income (loss) attributable to Ultralife	644	1,679	-995	-2,991
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	32	-204	53	-81
Comprehensive income (loss) loss attributable to Ultralife	$676	$1,475	($942)	($3,072)
Net income (loss) attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - basic	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations (in Dollars per share)	$0.04	$0.09	($0.07)	($0.18)
Discontinued operations (in Dollars per share)	$0	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01
Total (in Dollars per share)	$0.04	$0.10	($0.06)	($0.17)
Net income (loss) attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - diluted	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations (in Dollars per share)	$0.04	$0.09	($0.07)	($0.18)
Discontinued operations (in Dollars per share)	$0	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01
Total (in Dollars per share)	$0.04	$0.10	($0.06)	($0.17)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in Shares)	17,467,000	17,418,000	17,461,000	17,390,000
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in Shares)	17,532,000	17,418,000	17,461,000	17,390,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$102	$122	$301	$372
Research And Development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of Intangible Assets	56	65	167	195
Selling General And Administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$46	$57	$134	$177

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Net loss	($1,026)	($3,022)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	-159	-178
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to net cash provided from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization of financing fees	2,331	2,566
Amortization of intangible assets	301	372
Loss on long-lived asset impairment	56	13
Foreign exchange loss (gain)	33	-3
Non-cash stock-based compensation	740	1,001
Changes in deferred income taxes	170	74
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Trade accounts receivable	5,380	3,265
Inventories	2,622	1,766
Due from insurance company	315	1,014
Income taxes receivable	-91	104
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-455	-39
Income taxes payable	'	-9
Accounts payable and other liabilities	-7,818	-5,020
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities from continuing operations	2,399	1,904
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations	-998	-2,133
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	1,401	-229
INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Purchase of property and equipment	-736	-2,011
Change in restricted cash	-2	-250
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations	-738	-2,261
Net cash provided from investing activities from discontinued operations	182	2,133
Net cash used in investing activities	-556	-128
FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	12	115
Net cash provided from financing activities from continuing operations	12	115
Net cash provided from financing activities	12	115
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-148	-119
Change in cash and cash equivalents	709	-361
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	9,656	5,320
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	10,365	4,959
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	'	'
Cash paid for income taxes	77	291
Cash paid for interest	$84	$184

Note_1_Basis_of_Presentation

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	1.	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Ultralife Corporation 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 twelve month period ended December 31, 2012.
	The year-end 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_Dispositions_and_Exit_A

Note 2 - Dispositions and Exit Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	2.	DISPOSITIONS AND EXIT ACTIVITIES
	Ultralife Batteries UK, Ltd.
	During the fourth quarter of 2012, we elected not to renew the lease for our U.K. manufacturing facility which expired on March 24, 2013 (the “U.K. Facility Lease”), and instead relocated our sales and services operations to a smaller facility. As a result of this decision, we were required to restore the facility back to its original condition pursuant to the terms of the U.K. Facility Lease.
	The costs associated with the lease exit were not determinable until late in the fourth quarter of 2012. Accordingly, we recorded a liability as of the end of 2012 for our estimate of the costs to return the facility to its original condition as well as other related expenses. A total of $228 was charged to selling, general, and administrative costs related to operations transferred to our facilities in Newark, NY, and an additional $815 was recorded as discontinued operations for those operations that were not transferred to our facilities in Newark, NY. The termination of the U.K. Facility Lease did not result in any employee reductions or other termination costs, with the exception of the aforementioned restoration costs.
	As a result, the results of presentation herein exclude the discontinued Ultralife Batteries UK, Ltd. operations from the results of continuing operations.  The following amounts have been reported as discontinued operations for the three and nine month periods ending September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
			Three Month Periods Ended					Nine Month Periods Ended
			September 29,		September 30,			September 29,			September 30,
			2013		2012			2013			2012
	Net sales		$	-	$	-		$	-		$	-
	Gain from discontinued operations			-		-			241			-
	Provision for income taxes			-		-			-			-
	Gain from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	-	$	-		$	241		$	-
	The cost of returning our former UK facility back to its original condition was less than our estimate of the cost made during the fourth quarter of 2012. As a result, we recognized the difference as a gain from discontinued operations during the first quarter of 2013.
	RedBlack Communications, Inc.
	On February 16, 2012, we announced our intention to divest our RedBlack Communications, Inc. (“RedBlack”) business in 2012. RedBlack was a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours based in Hollywood, Maryland, that designed, integrated and fielded mobile, modular and fixed site communication and electronic systems.  We determined that RedBlack offered limited opportunities to achieve the operating criteria thresholds of our business model.
	On September 28, 2012 (the “Closing Date”), we entered into and closed a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) to sell 100% of our capital stock in RedBlack to BCF Solutions, Inc.  In exchange for the sale of RedBlack, we received $2,533 as a purchase price, comprised of cash at closing in the amount of $2,133, funds held in escrow for up to one year in the amount of $250, as well as $150 to be available for RedBlack employee retention programs.  In addition, there was a customary post-closing working capital adjustment to the purchase price of $125, partially offset by other adjustments, that resulted in a loss of $118 that was recorded in the second quarter of 2013.
	The Agreement contains customary representations and warranties that will survive the Closing Date for a period of two or three years.  The Agreement also contains customary indemnification for breaches of the representations and warranties contained in the Agreement.
	The Agreement contains restrictive covenants that continue for two years from the Closing Date, under which we are prohibited from engaging or participating with any current customer of RedBlack in any business, directly or indirectly, that competes with the business conducted by RedBlack for two years.  We are also prohibited from hiring, soliciting, or recruiting any current employee, independent contractor, or consultant of BCF Solutions, Inc. or RedBlack for two years.
	Commencing with the first quarter of 2012, the results of the RedBlack operations and related divestiture costs have been reported as a discontinued operation.
	As a result, the presentation of results herein excludes the RedBlack operations from the results of continuing operations.  The following amounts have been reported as discontinued operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
			Three Month Periods Ended					Nine Month Periods Ended
			September 29,		September 30,			September 29,			September 30,
			2013		2012			2013			2012
	Net sales		$	-	$	1,267		$	-		$	3,404
	Gain (loss) from discontinued operations			15		(59	)		(96	)		(3	)
	Benefit from income taxes			-		(196	)		-			(174	)
	Gain (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	15	$	137		$	(96	)	$	171

Note_3_Inventories

Note 3 - Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	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:
			29-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
	Raw materials		$	16,458	$	15,023
	Work in process			3,353		4,863
	Finished goods			8,018		10,484
			$	27,829	$	30,370

Note_4_Property_Plant_and_Equi

Note 4 - Property, Plant and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	4.	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
	Major classes of property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
			29-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
	Land		$	123	$	123
	Buildings and leasehold improvements			7,407		7,381
	Machinery and equipment			47,018		46,606
	Furniture and fixtures			1,947		1,810
	Computer hardware and software			4,209		4,103
	Construction in progress			1,389		1,275
				62,093		61,298
	Less:  Accumulated depreciation			51,257		48,883
			$	10,836	$	12,415
	Depreciation expense for property, plant and equipment was $720 and $2,279 for the three and nine month periods ended September 29, 2013, respectively, and $800 and $2,460 for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	In the second quarter of 2013, we received a termination notice from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (“NYSERDA”) regarding our collaborative agreement to develop and demonstrate a large hybrid grid-connected energy storage system. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, NYSERDA will reimburse us for certain construction and project research and development costs incurred through the date of termination. Construction costs are reflected in the property, plant and equipment, net line on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 29, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Project research and development costs are reflected in the research and development line on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) the three and nine month periods ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012.
	We plan to continue this project internally with smaller form batteries which provide greater opportunity and applicability in the markets we serve. However, due to the termination of the NYSERDA agreement and the resulting change in scope of the project, we performed a review of the details of costs capitalized in connection with this project to determine their future use. Those costs without an identifiable future use were written off in the second quarter of 2013 and totaled $56. The remaining capitalized costs were subjected to an impairment test based upon forecasted future cash flows, in accordance with current accounting guidance. No impairment was taken on the remaining capitalized costs.

Note_5_Goodwill_Intangible_Ass

Note 5 - Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long Term Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	5.	GOODWILL, INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND LONG TERM ASSETS
	a. Goodwill
	The following table summarizes the goodwill activity by segment for the three month periods ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
			Battery &		Communications		Discontinued			Total
			Energy Products		Systems		Operations
	Balance at December 31, 2011		$	4,838	$	11,493	$	2,025		$	18,356
	Sale of RedBlack Communications			-		-		(2,025	)		(2,025	)
	Effect of foreign currency Translations			6		-		-			6
	Balance at September 30, 2012			4,844		11,493		-			16,337
	Effect of foreign currency Translations			7		-		-			7
	Balance at December 31, 2012			4,851		11,493		-			16,344
	Effect of foreign currency translations			61		-		-			61
	Balance at September 29, 2013		$	4,912	$	11,493	$	-		$	16,405
	b. Intangible Assets
	The composition of intangible assets was:
			September 29, 2013
			Gross Assets		Accumulated		Net
					Amortization
	Trademarks		$	3,567	$	-	$	3,567
	Patents and technology			4,508		3,882		626
	Customer relationships			4,027		3,515		512
	Distributor relationships			390		350		40
	Non-compete agreements			218		218		-
	Total intangible assets		$	12,710	$	7,965	$	4,745
			December 31, 2012
			Gross Assets		Accumulated		Net
					Amortization
	Trademarks		$	3,564	$	-	$	3,564
	Patents and technology			4,495		3,702		793
	Customer relationships			3,998		3,366		632
	Distributor relationships			380		330		50
	Non-compete agreements			217		217		-
	Total intangible assets		$	12,654	$	7,615	$	5,039
	Amortization expense for intangible assets was $102 and $301 for the three and nine month periods ended September 29, 2013, respectively, and $122 and $372 for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	The change in the cost value of total intangible assets from December 31, 2012 to September 29, 2013 is a result of the effect of foreign currency translations.
	In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) guidance for intangible assets other than goodwill, we do not amortize intangible assets with indefinite lives, but instead measure these assets for impairment at least annually, or when events indicate that impairment may exist. We amortize intangible assets that have definite lives so that the economic benefits of the intangible assets are being utilized over their weighted-average estimated useful life.
	The impairment analysis of an indefinite-lived intangible asset consists first of a review of various qualitative factors of the identified indefinite-lived intangible asset to determine whether it is more likely than not that its fair value exceeds its carrying amount. This review includes, but is not limited to, an evaluation of the macroeconomic, industry or market, and cost factors relevant to the intangible asset as well as financial performance and entity or reporting unit events that may affect the value of the intangible asset. If this review leads to the determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is greater than its carrying amount, further impairment testing is not required. However, if this review cannot support a conclusion that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is greater than its carrying amount, or at our discretion, quantitative impairment steps are performed.
	The impairment test for intangible assets with indefinite lives consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible assets with their carrying amounts. If the carrying value of the intangible assets exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess. We determine the fair value of our intangibles assets with indefinite lives (trademarks) through a royalty relief income valuation approach.
	Due to the general slowdown in the timing of order processing resulting from the U.S. Government furloughs, shutdown and budget uncertainties, we accelerated our impairment test for our McDowell Communications Systems trademark from October 1, 2013 to September 29, 2013.  Based upon the results of that review, we have determined that there is no impairment of the McDowell Communications Systems trademark.  We will continue to monitor this trademark closely and will update our testing during the fourth quarter.
	c. Long-Term Assets
	In the first quarter of this year, we had a sale to a customer of our Communications Systems segment of which $2,031, net of interest, had a payment term of greater than one year. This sale was in order to facilitate this customer’s ability to support a soldier modernization initiative. We expect this receivable to be fully collected within two years. Currently $267 is classified as long-term.

Note_6_Debt

Note 6 - Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	6.	DEBT
	On May 24, 2013, we entered into a Revolving Credit, Guaranty and Security Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) and related security agreements with PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC”) to establish a $20 million secured asset-based revolving credit facility that includes a $1 million letter of credit subfacility (the “Credit Facility”).  The Credit Agreement provides that the Credit Facility may be increased with the PNC’s concurrence to $35 million prior to the last six months of the term and expires on May 24, 2017.  The Credit Facility replaces the prior credit facility with RBS Business Capital, a division of RBS Asset Finance, Inc., which expired in accordance with its terms on May 15, 2013, with no debt outstanding.
	Our available borrowing limit under the Credit Facility fluctuates from time to time based on a borrowing base formula equal to the sum of up to 85% of eligible accounts receivable plus the least of (a) up to 65% of the eligible inventory and eligible foreign in-transit inventory, (b) up to 85% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory and eligible foreign in-transit inventory, and (c) $7.5 million, in each case subject to the definitions in the Credit Agreement and reserves required by PNC.
	Interest is payable quarterly and will accrue on outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Agreement at the alternate base rate, as defined in the Credit Agreement, plus the applicable margin or at the one, two or three month LIBOR rate plus the applicable margin as selected by the Company and listed below.
	Quarterly Average Undrawn		Applicable Margin for			Applicable Margin for
	Borrowing Availability		Alternate Base Rate			LIBOR Rate Loans
			Loans
	Greater than $8,000,000			1	%		2	%
	$5,000,000 up to $8,000,000			1.25	%		2.25	%
	Less than $5,000,000			1.5	%		2.5	%
	We must pay a fee on its unused availability of 0.375% per annum and customary letter of credit fees in addition to various collateral monitoring and related fees and expenses.
	In addition to customary affirmative and negative covenants, we must maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio as defined in the Credit Agreement of 1:15 to 1:00 tested quarterly for the four-quarters then ended.  As of September 29, 2013 we were in compliance with all covenants. The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all our assets.
	Any outstanding advances must be repaid upon expiration of the term of the Credit Facility.  Payments must be made during the term to the extent outstanding advances exceed the maximum amount then permitted to be drawn as advances under the Credit Facility and from the proceeds of certain transactions.  Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the outstanding obligations may be accelerated and PNC will have other customary remedies.
	As of September 29, 2013, we had $-0- outstanding under the Credit Facility, an applicable interest rate of 2.18%, approximately $12,781 of borrowing capacity in addition to our unrestricted cash on hand of $10,365, and no outstanding letters of credit related to the Credit Facility.

Note_7_Shareholders_Equity

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	7.	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	a.	Common Stock
	In August 2013, we issued 15,272 shares of common stock to our non-employee directors, valued at $57.
	In 2012, we issued to our non-employee directors 16,271 shares of common stock valued at $76, 17,473 shares of common stock valued at $77, and 24,311 shares of common stock valued at $77, in February, May, and August, respectively.
	b.	Treasury Stock
	At September 29, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had 1,372,757 shares of treasury stock valued at $7,658.
	c.	Stock Options
	We have various stock-based employee compensation plans, for which we follow the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) guidance on share-based payments, which requires that compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements.  The cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity award).
	Our shareholders have approved various equity-based plans that permit the grant of stock options, restricted stock and other equity-based awards. In addition, our shareholders have approved certain grants of stock options outside of these plans.
	In June 2004, shareholders adopted the 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) pursuant to which we were authorized to issue up to 750,000 shares of common stock and grant stock options, restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights and other stock-based awards.  Through shareholder approved amendments to the LTIP in 2006, 2008 and 2011, the total number of authorized shares under the LTIP increased to 2,900,000.
	Stock options granted under the LTIP are either Incentive Stock Options (“ISOs”) or Non-Qualified Stock Options (“NQSOs”).  Key employees are eligible to receive ISOs and NQSOs; however, directors and consultants are eligible to receive only NQSOs. Most ISOs vest over a three- or five-year period and expire on the sixth or seventh anniversary of the grant date.  All NQSOs issued to non-employee directors vest immediately and expire on either the sixth or seventh anniversary of the grant date.  Some NQSOs issued to non-employees vest immediately and expire within three years; others have the same vesting characteristics as options issued to employees. As of September 29, 2013, there were 2,096,422 stock options outstanding under the LTIP.
	On December 19, 2005, we granted our former President and Chief Executive Officer, John D. Kavazanjian, an option to purchase 48,000 shares of common stock at $12.96 per share outside of any of our equity-based compensation plans, subject to shareholder approval.  Shareholder approval was obtained on June 8, 2006.  The stock option is fully vested and expired on June 8, 2013.
	On March 7, 2008, in connection with his becoming employed by us, we granted our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Philip A. Fain, an option to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at $12.74 per share outside of any of our equity-based compensation plans.  The stock option is fully vested and expires on March 7, 2015.
	On December 30, 2010, pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, we granted our President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael D. Popielec, options to purchase shares of common stock under the LTIP as follows: (i) 50,000 shares at $6.42, vesting in annual increments of 12,500 shares over a four-year period commencing December 30, 2011; (ii) 250,000 shares at $6.42, vesting in annual increments of 62,500 shares over a four-year period commencing December 30, 2011; (iii) 200,000 shares at $10.00, with vesting to begin on the date the stock reaches a closing price of $10.00 per share for 15 trading days within a 30-day trading period, with such vesting in annual increments of 50,000 shares over the four anniversary dates of that date; and (iv) 200,000 shares at $15.00, with vesting to begin on the date the stock reaches a closing price of $15.00 per share for 15 trading days within a 30-day trading period, with such vesting in annual increments of 50,000 shares over the four anniversary dates of that date.  All such options in items (i) and (ii) shall expire on December 30, 2017.  All such options in items (iii) and (iv) shall expire as of the later of December 30, 2017 or five years after the initial vesting commences, but in no event later than December 30, 2020.  The options set forth in items (ii), (iii) and (iv) were subject to shareholder approval of an amendment to the LTIP, which approval was obtained on June 7, 2011.
	On January 3, 2011, pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, we granted our President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael D. Popielec, an option to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at $6.58 under the LTIP.  The option vests in annual increments of 12,500 shares over a four-year period commencing December 30, 2011.  The option expires on December 30, 2017.
	In conjunction with FASB’s guidance for share-based payments, we recorded compensation cost related to stock options of $131 and $521 for the three and nine month periods ended September 29, 2013 and $254 and $770 for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012, respectively.  As of September 29, 2013, there was $833 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.50 years.
	We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of non-market performance stock-based awards.  The following weighted average assumptions were used to value non-market performance stock options granted during the nine month periods ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012.
			Nine Month Periods Ended
			September 29,			September 30,
			2013			2012
	Risk-free interest rate			0.78	%		0.56	%
	Volatility factor			61.94	%		63.53	%
	Dividends			0	%		0	%
	Weighted average expected life (years)			4.06			3.91
	We use a Monte Carlo simulation option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of market performance stock-based awards.  There were no market performance stock options granted during the nine months ended September 29, 2013 and September 29, 2012.
	We calculate expected volatility for stock options by taking an average of historical volatility over the past five years and a computation of implied volatility.  The computation of expected term was determined based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards and vesting schedules.  The interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the award is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant.
	Stock option activity for the first nine months of 2013 is summarized as:
						Weighted			Weighted
						Average			Average	Aggregate
			Number			Exercise Price			Remaining	Intrinsic
			of Shares			Per Share			Contractual	Value
									Term (Years)
	Shares under option at January 1, 2013			2,211,488		$	7.47
	Options granted			228,000			3.6
	Options exercised			(3,000	)		3.91
	Options forfeited			(114,348	)		3.51
	Options expired			(175,718	)		10.8
	Shares under option at September 29, 2013			2,146,422		$	7		4.57	$	134
	Vested and expected to vest as of September 29, 2013			1,944,424		$	7.22		4.5	$	109
	Options exercisable at September 29, 2013			991,953		$	6.52		3.48	$	44
	The total intrinsic value of stock options (which is the amount by which the stock price exceeded the exercise price of the options on the date of exercise) exercised during the nine month period ended September 29, 2013 was $1.
	FASB’s guidance for share-based payments requires cash flows from excess tax benefits to be classified as a part of cash flows from financing activities.  Excess tax benefits are realized tax benefits from tax deductions for exercised stock options in excess of the deferred tax asset attributable to stock compensation costs for such stock options.  We did not record any excess tax benefits in the first nine months of 2013 and 2012.  Cash received from stock option exercises under our stock-based compensation plans for the nine month periods ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was $12 and $115, respectively.
	d.	Restricted Stock Units
	On January 29, 2013, we granted 120,000 contingent restricted stock units to our President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael D. Popielec, subject to shareholder approval, which was obtained on June 4, 2013, which vest as follows: (i) 30,000 shares of our common stock will vest on the later of January 1, 2014 or the date when our common stock first reaches a closing price of $4.00 per share for 15 trading days in a 30 trading day period; (ii) 30,000 shares of our common stock will vest on the later of January 1, 2014 or the date when our common stock first reaches a closing price of $5.00 per share for 15 trading days in a 30 trading day period; (iii) 30,000 shares of our common stock will vest on the later of January 1, 2015 or the date when our common stock first reaches a closing price of $4.00 per share for 15 trading days in a 30 trading day period; and (iv) 30,000 shares of our common stock will vest on the later of January 1, 2015 or the date when our common stock first reaches a closing price of $5.00 per share for 15 trading days in a 30 trading day period.
	The restricted stock units described in (i) and (iii) had achieved their closing price condition prior to shareholder approval and were valued at the closing price on the date of grant. The restricted stock units described in (ii) and (iv) had not yet achieved their closing price conditions and were valued utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation to determine fair value and the derived service period. The weighted average inputs utilized were:
			Nine Month
			Period Ended
			September 29,
			2013
	Risk-free interest rate			0.21	%
	Volatility factor			59.08	%
	Dividends			0	%
	The restricted stock units had the following values:
			Nine Month
			Period Ended
			September 29,
			2013
	Number of shares award			120,000
	Weighted average fair value per share		$	3.62
	Aggregate total value		$	434
	The activity of restricted stock units for the first nine months of 2013 is summarized below:
			Number of			Weighted Average
			Shares			Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at January 1, 2013			0		$	0
Granted			120,000		$	3.62
Vested			0			0
Forfeited			0			0
Unvested at September 29, 2013			120,000		$	3.62
No restricted stock was awarded during the nine month period ended September 30, 2012.
Compensation cost recorded in our financial statements related to our restricted stock units and restricted stock awards was $122 and $162 during the three and nine month periods ended September 29, 2013, respectively, and $0 and $1 during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012, respectively. There is $278 of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units as of September 29, 2013.

Note_8_Income_Taxes

Note 8 - Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	8.	INCOME TAXES
	The asset and liability method, prescribed by FASB’s guidance on the accounting for income taxes, 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 and nine month periods ended September 29, 2013, we recorded a benefit of $16 and an expense of $135, respectively.  For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012, we recorded a benefit of $21 and an expense of $264, respectively, including the amounts attributable to our discontinued operations. 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 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 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012 were:
			Three Month Periods Ended						Nine Month Periods Ended
			September 29,			September 30,			September 29,			September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Income (Loss) from continuing operations before Incomes Taxes (a)		$	591		$	1,643		$	(1,050	)	$	(2,763	)
	Total Income Tax Provision (Benefit) (b)		$	(16	)	$	175		$	135		$	437
	Effective Tax Rate (b/a)			2.7	%		10.7	%		12.9	%		15.8	%
	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 not recognized a deferred tax asset pertaining to cumulative historical losses for our U.S. operations and our U.K. subsidiary, as management does not believe, at this time, it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefit of these losses.  We have substantial net operating loss 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 net operating loss 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. The alternative minimum tax did not have an impact on income taxes determined for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012.  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 our net U.S. deferred tax asset.  Therefore, the expected payment of the alternative minimum tax does not result in a net deferred tax asset.
	As of December 31, 2012, we had foreign and domestic net operating loss carryforwards totaling approximately $60,494 available to reduce future taxable income. Foreign loss carryforwards of approximately $12,390 can be carried forward indefinitely. The domestic net operating loss carryforwards of $48,104 expire from 2019 through 2032.  The domestic net operating loss carryforwards include 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 29, 2013 relate to Federal and various state jurisdictions.  The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits:
			Nine Month Periods Ended
			September 29,			September 30,
			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of the period		$	7,508		$	6,779
	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 at end of the period		$	7,508		$	6,779
	The total unrecognized tax benefit balance at September 29, 2013 is comprised of tax benefits that, if recognized, would result in a deferred tax asset and a corresponding increase in our valuation allowance.  As a result, because the benefit would be offset by an increase in the valuation allowance, there would be no effect on the effective tax rate.
	We are not required to accrue interest and penalties as the unrecognized tax benefits have been recorded as a decrease in our net operating loss carryforward.  Interest and penalties would begin to accrue in the period in which the net operating loss 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.
	As a result of our operations, 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 2012 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) due to our net operating loss carryforwards.   Our U.S. tax matters for the years 2000 through 2012 remain subject to examination by various state and local tax jurisdictions due to our net operating loss carryforwards.  Our tax matters for the years 2007 through 2012 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.
	The use of our U.K. net operating loss carryforwards may be limited due to the change in our U.K. operation during 2008 from a manufacturing and assembly center to primarily a distribution and service center.

Note_9_Earnings_Per_Share

Note 9 - Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	9.	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	We have adopted the provisions of FASB’s guidance 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 Ultralife common shareholders by the weighted-average shares outstanding during the period.  The Two-Class Method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share 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.  For the three and nine month periods ended September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012, both the Two-Class Method and the treasury stock method calculations for diluted EPS yielded the same result.
	The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is summarized as follows:
			Three Month Period Ended				Nine Month Period Ended
			September 29,		September 30,		September 29,			September 30,
			2013		2012		2013			2012
	Net Income (Loss) from continuing operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders (a)		$	629	$	1,479	$	(1,154	)	$	(3,169	)
	Effect of Dilutive Securities			-		-		-			-
	Net Income (Loss) from continuing operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - Adjusted (b)		$	629	$	1,479	$	(1,154	)	$	(3,169	)
	Net Income from discontinued operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders (c)		$	15	$	200	$	159		$	178
	Effect of Dilutive Securities			-		-		-			-
	Net Income from discontinued operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - Adjusted (d)		$	15	$	200	$	159		$	178
	Average Common Shares Outstanding – Basic (e)			17,467,000		17,418,000		17,461,000			17,390,000
	Effect of Dilutive Securities:
	Stock Options / Warrants			65,000		-		-			-
	Average Common Shares Outstanding – Diluted (f)			17,532,000		17,418,000		17,461,000			17,390,000
	EPS – Basic (a/e) - continuing operations		$	0.04	$	0.09	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.18	)
	EPS – Basic (c/e) - discontinued operations		$	0	$	0.01	$	0.01		$	0.01
	EPS – Diluted (b/f) - continuing operations		$	0.04	$	0.09	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.18	)
	EPS – Diluted (d/f) - discontinued operations		$	0	$	0.01	$	0.01		$	0.01
	There were 2,020,588 and 2,342,722 outstanding stock options and awards at September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively, that were not included in the three month EPS calculation as the effect would be anti-dilutive. The dilutive effect of 245,834 and -0- outstanding stock options and awards were included in the computation for the three month periods September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively.
	There were 2,266,422 and 2,342,722 outstanding stock options and awards at September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively, that were not included in the nine month EPS calculation as the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Note_10_Commitments_and_Contin

Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	10.	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	a. Purchase Commitments
	As of September 29, 2013, we have made commitments to purchase approximately $453 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 three months of 2013 were as follows:
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	607
	Accruals for warranties issued			174
	Settlements made			(68	)
	Balance at September 29, 2013		$	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.
	Government Grants/Loans
	In conjunction with the City of West Point, Mississippi, we applied for a Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) from the State of Mississippi for infrastructure improvements to our leased facility that is owned by the City of West Point, Mississippi.  The CDBG was awarded and as of December 31, 2011, approximately $480 has been distributed under the grant.  Under an agreement with the City of West Point, we agreed to employ at least 30 full-time employees at the facility, of which 51% of the jobs had to be filled or made available to low or moderate income families, within three years of completion of the CDBG improvement activities.  In addition, we agreed to invest at least $1,000 in equipment and working capital into the facility within the first three years of operation of the facility.  While we have yet to receive formal notice from the applicable government agency confirming the closure of the grant, we believe that both of these commitments were satisfied as of March 2011 and, therefore, have not recorded an accrual with respect to any potential liability for the grant amounts received under the CDBG.
	In conjunction with Clay County, Mississippi, we applied for a Mississippi Rural Impact Fund Grant (“RIFG”) from the State of Mississippi for infrastructure improvements to our leased facility that is owned by the City of West Point, Mississippi.  The RIFG was awarded and as of December 31, 2011, approximately $150 has been distributed under the grant.  Under an agreement with Clay County, we agreed to employ at least 30 full-time employees at the facility, of which 51% of the jobs had to be filled or made available to low or moderate income families, within two years of completion of the RIFG improvement activities.  In September 2010, we received an extension for this commitment to March 31, 2011.  In addition, we agreed to invest at least $1,000 in equipment and working capital into the facility within the first three years of operation of the facility.  While we have yet to receive formal notice from the applicable government agency confirming the closure of the grant, we believe that both of these commitments were satisfied as of March 2011 and, therefore, have not recorded an accrual with respect to any potential liability for the grant amounts received under the RIFG.
	Post Audits of Government Contracts
	We had certain “exigent”, non-bid contracts with the U.S. government, which were subject to audit and final price adjustment, which resulted in decreased margins compared with the original terms of the contracts.  As of December 31, 2012, there were no outstanding exigent contracts with the U.S. government.  As part of its due diligence, the U.S. government has conducted post-audits of the completed exigent contracts to ensure that information used in supporting the pricing of exigent contracts did not differ materially from actual results.  In September 2005, the Defense Contracting Audit Agency (“DCAA”) presented its findings related to the audits of three of the exigent contracts, suggesting a potential pricing adjustment of approximately $1,400 related to reductions in the cost of materials that occurred prior to the final negotiation of these contracts.  In addition, in June 2007, we received a request from the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Defense (“DoD IG”) seeking certain information and documents relating to our business with the Department of Defense.  We cooperated with the DCAA audit and DoD IG inquiry by making available to government auditors and investigators our personnel and furnishing the requested information and documents.  The DCAA Audit and DoD IG inquiry were consolidated and the US Attorney’s Office represented the government in connection with these matters.  Under applicable federal law, we may have been subject up to treble damages and penalties associated with the potential pricing adjustment.  In light of the uncertainty, we decided to enter into discussions with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in April 2011 to negotiate a settlement that would be in the best interests of our customers, employees and shareholders.  On April 21, 2011, we were advised by the government that there was a $2,730 settlement-in-principle to resolve all claims related to the contracts, subject to final approval by the Department of Justice.  As a result, we recorded a $2,730 charge as a reduction in revenues for the first quarter of 2011.  On June 1, 2011, we entered into a Settlement Agreement with the United States of America, acting through the United States Department of Justice and on behalf of the Department of Defense that required us to pay a total of $2,700 plus accrued interest thereon at the rate of 2.625% per annum. Under the Settlement Agreement, we were required to make principal payments of $1,000, $567, $567 and $566 being due on June 8, 2011, December 1, 2011, June 1, 2012 and December 1, 2012, respectively.  Each principal payment was accompanied by a payment of accrued interest.  As of December 31, 2012, we have made all required payments.
	9-Volt Battery Litigation
	In July 2010, we were served with a summons and complaint filed in Japan by one of our 9-volt battery customers. The complaint alleged damages associated with claims of breach of warranty in an amount of approximately $1,100. A trial was held on May 25, 2012, in Japan before a panel of three judges, after which the parties agreed to settle the matter for approximately $125, which has been reflected in our cost of products sold in the second quarter of 2012.  The terms of the settlement agreement include no legal liability on our part and the plaintiff abandoning all other claims against us.
	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 (Index No. 73379).  In our Complaint, we allege 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 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; (ii) Modeen has breached certain agreements, duties and obligations he owed us, including to protect and refrain from disclosing our trade secrets and confidential and proprietary information; (iii) Arista’s employment of Modeen will inevitably lead to the disclosure and use of our trade secrets by Arista, in violation of Modeen’s duties and obligations to us; (iv) Arista unlawfully induced Modeen to breach his agreements with and duties and obligations to us; and (v) Arista’s recruitment and employment of Modeen has breached a subcontract between Arista and us.  We seek damages as determined at trial and preliminary and permanent injunctive relief.  The defendants have answered the allegations set forth in the 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 (Index No.  11-13896) against us, our officers, several of our directors, and an employee.  In its Complaint, Arista alleges that we and our 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.  Arista seeks damages, an accounting, and preliminary and permanent injunctive relief.
	On December 21, 2011, we and our officers, directors and employee named in Arista’s Complaint filed a motion to dismiss Arista’s Complaint against our officers, directors and employee as Arista’s Complaint fails to state any cause of action against any of them and to dismiss the claim of fraud against our officers, directors and employee.  Subsequently, Arista filed an Amended Complaint alleging essentially the same causes of action but adding additional factual allegations against us and our officers, directors and employee.  In addition, Arista filed a motion to disqualify our outside legal counsel representing us and our officers, directors and employee in both Arista’s Complaint and our Complaint against Arista.  In response, we and our officers, directors and employee filed a new motion to dismiss Arista’s Complaint against us in its entirety and seeking dismissal of the fraud claim against us.  Arista’s motion to disqualify our outside legal counsel was denied on February 10, 2012.  On March 9, 2012, the Court issued its decision on our motion to dismiss, granting the motion to the extent of dismissing some claims against us, but denying the motion to dismiss the individuals from the lawsuit at this preliminary stage.  On April 19, 2012, an Answer was filed on behalf of us, our officers, directors and employee. On September 10, 2013, Arista filed a Second Amended Complaint deleting all individual defendants except our named employee, to which an Answer was filed on our behalf on September 30, 2013. Discovery has commenced with respect to the Arista litigation and is ongoing.
	We initiated the September 23, 2011 Complaint against Arista Power to protect our customers, employees and shareholders from the unauthorized use and theft of our investments in intellectual property, trade secrets and confidential information by Arista and its employees.  Protecting our collective intellectual property and know-how, developed at great cost to us to form our competitive position in the marketplace and create value for our shareholders, is a fundamental responsibility of all our employees.
	We believe the November 29, 2011 Arista Complaint is retaliatory and without merit.  Our development of the foundation for the new product concept for which Arista claims we allegedly used its trade secrets commenced in 2008, long prior to the departure of those individuals who now constitute the executive team of Arista.  Furthermore, we believe the purported damage of $60,000 being claimed by Arista is based solely on the reduction in its market capitalization between November 2009 and the filing date of the Complaint. This market value loss is totally unrelated to any actions on account of us, and claims for recovery of this or any other amount are legally and factually baseless.
	Accordingly, we will vigorously pursue our complaint against Arista and defend what we believe to be a meritless action on the part of Arista Power.

Note_11_Business_Segment_Infor

Note 11 - Business Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	11.	BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
	On February 16, 2012, our senior management, as authorized by our Board of Directors, decided to divest our RedBlack Communications business, which previously was reported in the Communications Systems segment.  See Note 2 in these Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
	During the fourth quarter of 2012, we elected not to renew the lease for our U.K. manufacturing facility which expired on March 24, 2013, and to relocate our sales and services operations to a smaller facility.   As a result of this decision, we were required to restore the facility back to its original condition per a previous contractual commitment. This facility previously served our Battery and Energy Segments business. A portion of these costs were classified as a discontinued operation in the fourth quarter of 2012. See Note 2 in these Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional 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 29, 2013
			Battery &		Communications		Discontinued		Corporate			Total
			Energy		Systems		Operations
			Products
	Revenues		$	13,507	$	6,854	$	-	$	-		$	20,361
	Segment contribution			3,601		2,526		-		(5,475	)		652
	Interest expense, net									(53	)		(53	)
	Miscellaneous									(8	)		(8	)
	Income taxes-current									19			19
	Income taxes-deferred									(3	)		(3	)
	Income from discontinued operations							15					15
	Noncontrolling interest									22			22
	Net income attributable to Ultralife											$	644
	Total assets		$	42,679	$	32,268	$	-	$	13,728		$	88,675
	Three Month Period Ended September 30, 2012
			Battery &		Communications		Discontinued		Corporate			Total
			Energy		Systems		Operations
			Products
	Revenues		$	16,633	$	9,548	$	-	$	-		$	26,181
	Segment contribution			4,770		3,449		-		(6,465	)		1,754
	Interest expense, net									(96	)		(96	)
	Miscellaneous									(15	)		(15	)
	Income taxes-current									(120	)		(120	)
	Income taxes-deferred									(55	)		(55	)
	Income from discontinued operations							200					200
	Noncontrolling interest									11			11
	Net income attributable to Ultralife											$	1,679
	Total assets		$	54,031	$	32,290	$	11	$	8,997		$	95,329
	Nine Month Period Ended September 29, 2013
			Battery &		Communications		Discontinued		Corporate			Total
			Energy		Systems		Operations
			Products
	Revenues		$	41,216	$	17,443	$	-	$	-		$	58,659
	Segment contribution			10,191		6,837		-		(17,875	)		(847	)
	Interest expense, net									(172	)		(172	)
	Miscellaneous									(31	)		(31	)
	Income taxes-current									(42	)		(42	)
	Income taxes-deferred									(93	)		(93	)
	Income from discontinued operations							159					159
	Noncontrolling interest									31			31
	Net loss attributable to Ultralife											$	(995	)
	Total assets		$	42,679	$	32,268	$	-	$	13,728		$	88,675
	Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2012
			Battery &		Communications		Discontinued		Corporate			Total
			Energy		Systems		Operations
			Products
	Revenues		$	52,238	$	20,150	$	-	$	-		$	72,388
	Segment contribution			12,476		6,803		-		(21,747	)		(2,468	)
	Interest expense, net									(312	)		(312	)
	Miscellaneous									17			17
	Income taxes-current									(387	)		(387	)
	Income taxes-deferred									(50	)		(50	)
	Loss from discontinued operations							178					178
	Noncontrolling interest									31			31
	Net loss attributable to Ultralife											$	(2,991	)
	Total assets		$	54,031	$	32,290	$	11	$	8,997		$	95,329

Note_12_Fair_Value_of_Financia

Note 12 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	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 29, 2013 and December 31, 2012.  The fair value of cash, trade accounts receivable, trade accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and our revolving credit facility approximates carrying value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

Note_13_Fire_at_Manufacturing_

Note 13 - Fire at Manufacturing Facility	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Extraordinary and Unusual Items [Abstract]	'
Business Insurance Recoveries [Text Block]	'
	13.	FIRE AT MANUFACTURING FACILITY
	In June 2011, we experienced a fire that damaged certain inventory and  machinery and equipment at our facility in China.  The fire occurred after business hours and was extinguished quickly with no injuries, and the plant was back in full operation shortly thereafter with no significant disruption in supply or service to customers.
	The total amount of the loss pertaining to assets and the related expenses was approximately $1,589.  The majority of our insurance claim is related to the recovery of damaged inventory.  In June 2012, we received approximately $1,017 as a partial payment on our insurance claim, which resulted in no gain or loss being recognized.  In April 2013, we have received $269 as a further payment on this claim, with no gain or loss recognized.  As of September 29, 2013, we reflect a net receivable from the insurance company relating to this claim of $184, which is net of our deductible of approximately $132, and represents additional proceeds to be received.  The deductible charge was expensed in the second quarter of 2011.

Note_14_Recent_Accounting_Pron

Note 14 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Developments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	'
	14.	RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, “Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity.” ASU 2013-05 provides that the cumulative translation adjustment is released into net income when a reporting entity ceases to have a controlling interest in a subsidiary that is controlled by a consolidated foreign entity. Further, this update states that the sale of an investment in a foreign entity includes both events that result in the loss of a controlling financial interest in a foreign entity, regardless of any retained investment, and events that result in an acquirer obtaining control through a step acquisition. ASU 2013-05 is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. We do not believe that adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component as well as presentation, either on the face of the financial statement or in the notes, of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

Note_2_Dispositions_and_Exit_A1

Note 2 - Dispositions and Exit Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Month Periods Ended					Nine Month Periods Ended
		September 29,		September 30,			September 29,			September 30,
		2013		2012			2013			2012
	Net sales	$	-	$	-		$	-		$	-
	Gain from discontinued operations		-		-			241			-
	Provision for income taxes		-		-			-			-
	Gain from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	-	$	-		$	241		$	-
		Three Month Periods Ended					Nine Month Periods Ended
		September 29,		September 30,			September 29,			September 30,
		2013		2012			2013			2012
	Net sales	$	-	$	1,267		$	-		$	3,404
	Gain (loss) from discontinued operations		15		(59	)		(96	)		(3	)
	Benefit from income taxes		-		(196	)		-			(174	)
	Gain (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	15	$	137		$	(96	)	$	171

Note_3_Inventories_Tables

Note 3 - Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	'
		29-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
	Raw materials	$	16,458	$	15,023
	Work in process		3,353		4,863
	Finished goods		8,018		10,484
		$	27,829	$	30,370

Note_4_Property_Plant_and_Equi1

Note 4 - Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	'
		29-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
	Land	$	123	$	123
	Buildings and leasehold improvements		7,407		7,381
	Machinery and equipment		47,018		46,606
	Furniture and fixtures		1,947		1,810
	Computer hardware and software		4,209		4,103
	Construction in progress		1,389		1,275
			62,093		61,298
	Less:  Accumulated depreciation		51,257		48,883
		$	10,836	$	12,415

Note_5_Goodwill_Intangible_Ass1

Note 5 - Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long Term Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	'
		Battery &		Communications		Discontinued			Total
		Energy Products		Systems		Operations
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	4,838	$	11,493	$	2,025		$	18,356
	Sale of RedBlack Communications		-		-		(2,025	)		(2,025	)
	Effect of foreign currency Translations		6		-		-			6
	Balance at September 30, 2012		4,844		11,493		-			16,337
	Effect of foreign currency Translations		7		-		-			7
	Balance at December 31, 2012		4,851		11,493		-			16,344
	Effect of foreign currency translations		61		-		-			61
	Balance at September 29, 2013	$	4,912	$	11,493	$	-		$	16,405
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	'
		September 29, 2013
		Gross Assets		Accumulated		Net
				Amortization
	Trademarks	$	3,567	$	-	$	3,567
	Patents and technology		4,508		3,882		626
	Customer relationships		4,027		3,515		512
	Distributor relationships		390		350		40
	Non-compete agreements		218		218		-
	Total intangible assets	$	12,710	$	7,965	$	4,745
		December 31, 2012
		Gross Assets		Accumulated		Net
				Amortization
	Trademarks	$	3,564	$	-	$	3,564
	Patents and technology		4,495		3,702		793
	Customer relationships		3,998		3,366		632
	Distributor relationships		380		330		50
	Non-compete agreements		217		217		-
	Total intangible assets	$	12,654	$	7,615	$	5,039

Note_6_Debt_Tables

Note 6 - Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Credit Facility, Variable Interest Rate [Table Text Block]	'
	Quarterly Average Undrawn	Applicable Margin for			Applicable Margin for
	Borrowing Availability	Alternate Base Rate			LIBOR Rate Loans
		Loans
	Greater than $8,000,000		1	%		2	%
	$5,000,000 up to $8,000,000		1.25	%		2.25	%
	Less than $5,000,000		1.5	%		2.5	%

Note_7_Shareholders_Equity_Tab

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Tables) [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	'
					Weighted			Weighted
					Average			Average	Aggregate
		Number			Exercise Price			Remaining	Intrinsic
		of Shares			Per Share			Contractual	Value
								Term (Years)
	Shares under option at January 1, 2013		2,211,488		$	7.47
	Options granted		228,000			3.6
	Options exercised		(3,000	)		3.91
	Options forfeited		(114,348	)		3.51
	Options expired		(175,718	)		10.8
	Shares under option at September 29, 2013		2,146,422		$	7		4.57	$	134
	Vested and expected to vest as of September 29, 2013		1,944,424		$	7.22		4.5	$	109
	Options exercisable at September 29, 2013		991,953		$	6.52		3.48	$	44
Schedule Of Share Based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units, Award Values [Table Text Block]	'
		Nine Month
		Period Ended
		September 29,
		2013
	Number of shares award		120,000
	Weighted average fair value per share	$	3.62
	Aggregate total value	$	434
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]	'
		Number of			Weighted Average
		Shares			Grant Date Fair Value
	Unvested at January 1, 2013		0		$	0
	Granted		120,000		$	3.62
	Vested		0			0
	Forfeited		0			0
	Unvested at September 29, 2013		120,000		$	3.62
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'
Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Tables) [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	'
		Nine Month Periods Ended
		September 29,			September 30,
		2013			2012
	Risk-free interest rate		0.78	%		0.56	%
	Volatility factor		61.94	%		63.53	%
	Dividends		0	%		0	%
	Weighted average expected life (years)		4.06			3.91
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Tables) [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	'
		Nine Month
		Period Ended
		September 29,
		2013
	Risk-free interest rate		0.21	%
	Volatility factor		59.08	%
	Dividends		0	%

Note_8_Income_Taxes_Tables

Note 8 - Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Month Periods Ended						Nine Month Periods Ended
		September 29,			September 30,			September 29,			September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Income (Loss) from continuing operations before Incomes Taxes (a)	$	591		$	1,643		$	(1,050	)	$	(2,763	)
	Total Income Tax Provision (Benefit) (b)	$	(16	)	$	175		$	135		$	437
	Effective Tax Rate (b/a)		2.7	%		10.7	%		12.9	%		15.8	%
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]	'
		Nine Month Periods Ended
		September 29,			September 30,
		2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of the period	$	7,508		$	6,779
	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 at end of the period	$	7,508		$	6,779

Note_9_Earnings_Per_Share_Tabl

Note 9 - Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Month Period Ended				Nine Month Period Ended
		September 29,		September 30,		September 29,			September 30,
		2013		2012		2013			2012
	Net Income (Loss) from continuing operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders (a)	$	629	$	1,479	$	(1,154	)	$	(3,169	)
	Effect of Dilutive Securities		-		-		-			-
	Net Income (Loss) from continuing operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - Adjusted (b)	$	629	$	1,479	$	(1,154	)	$	(3,169	)
	Net Income from discontinued operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders (c)	$	15	$	200	$	159		$	178
	Effect of Dilutive Securities		-		-		-			-
	Net Income from discontinued operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - Adjusted (d)	$	15	$	200	$	159		$	178
	Average Common Shares Outstanding – Basic (e)		17,467,000		17,418,000		17,461,000			17,390,000
	Effect of Dilutive Securities:
	Stock Options / Warrants		65,000		-		-			-
	Average Common Shares Outstanding – Diluted (f)		17,532,000		17,418,000		17,461,000			17,390,000
	EPS – Basic (a/e) - continuing operations	$	0.04	$	0.09	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.18	)
	EPS – Basic (c/e) - discontinued operations	$	0	$	0.01	$	0.01		$	0.01
	EPS – Diluted (b/f) - continuing operations	$	0.04	$	0.09	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.18	)
	EPS – Diluted (d/f) - discontinued operations	$	0	$	0.01	$	0.01		$	0.01

Note_10_Commitments_and_Contin1

Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	'
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	607
	Accruals for warranties issued		174
	Settlements made		(68	)
	Balance at September 29, 2013	$	713

Note_11_Business_Segment_Infor1

Note 11 - Business Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	Three Month Period Ended September 29, 2013
		Battery &		Communications		Discontinued		Corporate			Total
		Energy		Systems		Operations
		Products
	Revenues	$	13,507	$	6,854	$	-	$	-		$	20,361
	Segment contribution		3,601		2,526		-		(5,475	)		652
	Interest expense, net								(53	)		(53	)
	Miscellaneous								(8	)		(8	)
	Income taxes-current								19			19
	Income taxes-deferred								(3	)		(3	)
	Income from discontinued operations						15					15
	Noncontrolling interest								22			22
	Net income attributable to Ultralife										$	644
	Total assets	$	42,679	$	32,268	$	-	$	13,728		$	88,675
	Three Month Period Ended September 30, 2012
		Battery &		Communications		Discontinued		Corporate			Total
		Energy		Systems		Operations
		Products
	Revenues	$	16,633	$	9,548	$	-	$	-		$	26,181
	Segment contribution		4,770		3,449		-		(6,465	)		1,754
	Interest expense, net								(96	)		(96	)
	Miscellaneous								(15	)		(15	)
	Income taxes-current								(120	)		(120	)
	Income taxes-deferred								(55	)		(55	)
	Income from discontinued operations						200					200
	Noncontrolling interest								11			11
	Net income attributable to Ultralife										$	1,679
	Total assets	$	54,031	$	32,290	$	11	$	8,997		$	95,329
	Nine Month Period Ended September 29, 2013
		Battery &		Communications		Discontinued		Corporate			Total
		Energy		Systems		Operations
		Products
	Revenues	$	41,216	$	17,443	$	-	$	-		$	58,659
	Segment contribution		10,191		6,837		-		(17,875	)		(847	)
	Interest expense, net								(172	)		(172	)
	Miscellaneous								(31	)		(31	)
	Income taxes-current								(42	)		(42	)
	Income taxes-deferred								(93	)		(93	)
	Income from discontinued operations						159					159
	Noncontrolling interest								31			31
	Net loss attributable to Ultralife										$	(995	)
	Total assets	$	42,679	$	32,268	$	-	$	13,728		$	88,675
	Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2012
		Battery &		Communications		Discontinued		Corporate			Total
		Energy		Systems		Operations
		Products
	Revenues	$	52,238	$	20,150	$	-	$	-		$	72,388
	Segment contribution		12,476		6,803		-		(21,747	)		(2,468	)
	Interest expense, net								(312	)		(312	)
	Miscellaneous								17			17
	Income taxes-current								(387	)		(387	)
	Income taxes-deferred								(50	)		(50	)
	Loss from discontinued operations						178					178
	Noncontrolling interest								31			31
	Net loss attributable to Ultralife										$	(2,991	)
	Total assets	$	54,031	$	32,290	$	11	$	8,997		$	95,329

Note_2_Dispositions_and_Exit_A2

Note 2 - Dispositions and Exit Activities (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 28, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013
Note 2 - Dispositions and Exit Activities (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Lease Exit Costs Continuing Operations	'	'	$228	'
Lease Exit Costs Discontinued Operations	'	'	815	'
Percentage Of Subsidiary Stock Sold	100.00%	'	'	'
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Acquisition Costs or Sale Proceeds	2,533	2,533	'	'
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses	2,133	'	'	'
Length Of Time Sales Proceeds Held In Escrow	'1 year	'	'	'
Escrow Deposit	250	250	'	'
Sales Price Reserved For Employee Retention Programs	150	150	'	'
Post Closing Working Capital Adjustment to Purchase Price	125	125	'	'
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Gain (Loss) on Sale or Disposal, Net of Tax	'	'	'	($118)
Divestiture Non Compete Period	'	'2 years	'	'
Divestiture No Tampering Period	'	'2 years	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 2 - Dispositions and Exit Activities (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Divestiture Representations And Warranties Period	'	'2 years	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 2 - Dispositions and Exit Activities (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Divestiture Representations And Warranties Period	'	'3 years	'	'

Note_2_Dispositions_and_Exit_A3

Note 2 - Dispositions and Exit Activities (Details) - Discontinued Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$20,361	$26,181	$58,659	$72,388
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	-16	175	135	437
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	15	200	159	178
Ultralife Batteries UK, Ltd. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations	'	'	241	'
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	'	241	'
RedBlack Communications Inc [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	1,267	'	3,404
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations	15	-59	-96	-3
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	'	-196	'	-174
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$15	$137	($96)	$171

Note_3_Inventories_Details_Com

Note 3 - Inventories (Details) - Composition of inventories (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Composition of inventories [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$16,458	$15,023
Work in process	3,353	4,863
Finished goods	8,018	10,484
	$27,829	$30,370

Note_4_Property_Plant_and_Equi2

Note 4 - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	$720	'	$800	$2,279	$2,460
Asset Impairment Charges	'	$56	'	'	'

Note_4_Property_Plant_and_Equi3

Note 4 - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - Major classes of property, plant and equipment (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Major classes of property, plant and equipment [Abstract]	'	'
Land	$123	$123
Buildings and leasehold improvements	7,407	7,381
Machinery and equipment	47,018	46,606
Furniture and fixtures	1,947	1,810
Computer hardware and software	4,209	4,103
Construction in progress	1,389	1,275
	62,093	61,298
Less: Accumulated depreciation	51,257	48,883
	$10,836	$12,415

Note_5_Goodwill_Intangible_Ass2

Note 5 - Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long Term Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$102	$122	$301	$372	'
Accounts Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	$267	'	$267	'	$2,031

Note_5_Goodwill_Intangible_Ass3

Note 5 - Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long Term Assets (Details) - Goodwill activity by segment (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at	$16,344	$16,405	$16,337	$18,356
Sale of RedBlack Communications	'	'	-2,025	'
Effect of foreign currency Translations	7	61	6	'
Battery & Energy Products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at	4,851	4,912	4,844	4,838
Effect of foreign currency Translations	7	61	6	'
Communications Systems [Member]	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at	11,493	11,493	11,493	11,493
Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at	'	'	'	2,025
Sale of RedBlack Communications	'	'	($2,025)	'

Note_5_Goodwill_Intangible_Ass4

Note 5 - Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long Term Assets (Details) - Composition of intangible assets (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Assets	$3,567	$3,564
Net	3,567	3,564
Accumulated Amortization	7,965	7,615
Gross Assets	12,710	12,654
Net	4,745	5,039
Patented Technology [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Assets	4,508	4,495
Accumulated Amortization	3,882	3,702
Net	626	793
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Assets	4,027	3,998
Accumulated Amortization	3,515	3,366
Net	512	632
Distributor Relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Assets	390	380
Accumulated Amortization	350	330
Net	40	50
Noncompete Agreements [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Assets	218	217
Accumulated Amortization	$218	$217

Note_6_Debt_Details

Note 6 - Debt (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Note 6 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$20,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	35,000,000
Line of Credit Maximum Borrowing Capacity Percentage of Eligible Accounts Receivable	85.00%
Line of Credit Maximum Borrowing Capacity Percentage of Book Value of Eligible Inventory	65.00%
Line Of Credit Maximum Borrowing Capacity Percentage Of Appraised Net Orderly Liquidation Value Of Eligible Inventory	85.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Borrowing Base Calculation, Minimum Amount Added to Eligible Accounts Receivable	7,500,000
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.38%
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	'1:00
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	0
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	2.18%
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	12,781,000
Cash	10,365,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	0
Letter of Credit [Member]	'
Note 6 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$1,000,000
Minimum [Member]	'
Note 6 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]	'
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	'1:15

Note_6_Debt_Details_Credit_fac

Note 6 - Debt (Details) - Credit facility amended variable interest rate table	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013
Base Rate [Member] | Greater than $8,000,000 [Member]	'
Note 6 - Debt (Details) - Credit facility amended variable interest rate table [Line Items]	'
Quarterly Average Undrawn Borrowing Availability	1.00%
Base Rate [Member] | From $5,000,000 up to $8,000,000 [Member]	'
Note 6 - Debt (Details) - Credit facility amended variable interest rate table [Line Items]	'
Quarterly Average Undrawn Borrowing Availability	1.25%
Base Rate [Member] | Less than $5,000,000 [Member]	'
Note 6 - Debt (Details) - Credit facility amended variable interest rate table [Line Items]	'
Quarterly Average Undrawn Borrowing Availability	1.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Greater than $8,000,000 [Member]	'
Note 6 - Debt (Details) - Credit facility amended variable interest rate table [Line Items]	'
Quarterly Average Undrawn Borrowing Availability	2.00%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | From $5,000,000 up to $8,000,000 [Member]	'
Note 6 - Debt (Details) - Credit facility amended variable interest rate table [Line Items]	'
Quarterly Average Undrawn Borrowing Availability	2.25%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Less than $5,000,000 [Member]	'
Note 6 - Debt (Details) - Credit facility amended variable interest rate table [Line Items]	'
Quarterly Average Undrawn Borrowing Availability	2.50%

Note_7_Shareholders_Equity_Det

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Mar. 30, 2008

Dec. 31, 2005

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 03, 2011

Mar. 07, 2008

Dec. 19, 2005

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jan. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jan. 29, 2013

Jan. 29, 2013

Jan. 29, 2013

Jan. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Jun. 30, 2004

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Aug. 30, 2013

Aug. 30, 2012

31-May-12

Feb. 28, 2012

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 30, 2010

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 30, 2010

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 30, 2010

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 30, 2010

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Vesting Condition 1 [Member]

Vesting Condition 2 [Member]

Vesting Condition 3 [Member]

Vesting Condition 4 [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Incentive Stock Options [Member]

Incentive Stock Options [Member]

Non Qualified Stock Options [Member]

Director [Member]

Director [Member]

Director [Member]

Director [Member]

Option Grant 1 [Member]

Option Grant 1 [Member]

Option Grant 2 [Member]

Option Grant 2 [Member]

Option Grant 3 [Member]

Option Grant 3 [Member]

Option Grant 4 [Member]

Option Grant 4 [Member]

Chief Executive Officer [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,272

24,311

'

16,271

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Issued During Period, Value, Issued for Services (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$57,000

$77,000

$77,000

$76,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,473

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Treasury Stock, Shares

'

'

'

'

1,372,757

'

1,372,757

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Treasury Stock, Value (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

7,658,000

'

7,658,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common Stock, Shares Authorized

'

'

'

'

40,000,000

'

40,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,900,000

750,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'5 years

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'4 years

'

'4 years

'

'4 years

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number

'

'

'

'

2,146,422

'

2,211,488

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,096,422

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

50,000

'

50,000

48,000

228,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000

'

250,000

'

200,000

'

200,000

'

Share Price (in Dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$6.58

$12.74

$12.96

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$6.42

'

$6.42

'

$10

'

$15

Share Based Payment Award Options Annual Incremental Vesting

12,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30,000

30,000

30,000

30,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,500

'

62,500

'

50,000

'

50,000

'

Minimum Share Price Requirement (in Dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$4

$5

$4

$5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$10

'

$15

Number Of Days In Period Minimum Share Price Requirement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15

15

15

15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15

'

15

'

Number Of Days In Period Minimum Share Price Requirement Term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30

30

30

30

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30

'

30

'

Share Based Payment Award Options Term

'

5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

740,000

1,001,000

'

'

'

'

131,000

254,000

521,000

770,000

'

122,000

0

162,000

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

833,000

'

833,000

'

'

278,000

'

278,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year 6 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

12,000

115,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period

'

'

'

'

120,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

120,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

'

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Note_7_Shareholders_Equity_Det1

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Stock options valuation assumptions (Employee Stock Option [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'
Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Stock options valuation assumptions [Line Items]	'	'
Risk-free interest rate	0.78%	0.56%
Volatility factor	61.94%	63.53%
Dividends	0.00%	0.00%
Weighted average expected life (years)	'4 years 21 days	'3 years 332 days

Note_7_Shareholders_Equity_Det2

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Stock option activity (USD $)	1 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2011	Mar. 30, 2008	Dec. 31, 2005	Sep. 29, 2013
Stock option activity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Shares under option at January 1, 2013	'	'	'	2,211,488
Shares under option at January 1, 2013 (in Dollars per share)	'	'	'	$7.47
Options granted	50,000	50,000	48,000	228,000
Options granted (in Dollars per share)	'	'	'	$3.60
Options exercised	'	'	'	-3,000
Options exercised (in Dollars per share)	'	'	'	$3.91
Options forfeited	'	'	'	-114,348
Options forfeited (in Dollars per share)	'	'	'	$3.51
Options expired	'	'	'	-175,718
Options expired (in Dollars per share)	'	'	'	$10.80
Shares under option at September 29, 2013	'	'	'	2,146,422
Shares under option at September 29, 2013 (in Dollars per share)	'	'	'	$7
Shares under option at September 29, 2013	'	'	'	'4 years 208 days
Shares under option at September 29, 2013 (in Dollars)	'	'	'	$134
Vested and expected to vest as of September 29, 2013	'	'	'	1,944,424
Vested and expected to vest as of September 29, 2013 (in Dollars per share)	'	'	'	$7.22
Vested and expected to vest as of September 29, 2013	'	'	'	'4 years 6 months
Vested and expected to vest as of September 29, 2013 (in Dollars)	'	'	'	109
Options exercisable at September 29, 2013	'	'	'	991,953
Options exercisable at September 29, 2013 (in Dollars per share)	'	'	'	$6.52
Options exercisable at September 29, 2013	'	'	'	'3 years 175 days
Options exercisable at September 29, 2013 (in Dollars)	'	'	'	$44

Note_7_Shareholders_Equity_Det3

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Restricted stock units valuation assumptions (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Restricted stock units valuation assumptions [Line Items]	'
Risk-free interest rate	0.21%
Volatility factor	59.08%
Dividends	0.00%

Note_7_Shareholders_Equity_Det4

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Restricted stock units values (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013
Restricted stock units values [Abstract]	'
Number of shares award	120,000
Weighted average fair value per share (in Dollars per share)	$3.62
Aggregate total value (in Dollars)	$434

Note_7_Shareholders_Equity_Det5

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Restricted stock units activity (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Restricted stock units activity [Abstract]	'
Unvested at January 1, 2013	0
Unvested at January 1, 2013 (in Dollars per share)	$0
Unvested at September 29, 2013	120,000
Unvested at September 29, 2013 (in Dollars per share)	$3.62
Granted	120,000
Granted (in Dollars per share)	$3.62
Vested	0
Vested (in Dollars per share)	$0
Forfeited	0
Forfeited (in Dollars per share)	$0

Note_8_Income_Taxes_Details

Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($16)	$175	$135	$437	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Relating to Continuing and Discontinued Operations	'	-21	'	264	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	'	'	'	'	60,494
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign	'	'	'	'	12,390
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic	'	'	'	'	48,104
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Amount Recorded In Equity Upon Realization	'	'	'	'	2,949
Three Months Ended [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax	0	'	0	'	'
Nine Months Ended [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax	$12	'	$12	'	'

Note_8_Income_Taxes_Details_Ef

Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) - Effective consolidated tax rate (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Effective consolidated tax rate [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from continuing operations before Incomes Taxes (a)	$591	$1,643	($1,050)	($2,763)
Total Income Tax Provision (Benefit) (b)	($16)	$175	$135	$437
Effective Tax Rate (b/a)	2.70%	10.70%	12.90%	15.80%

Note_8_Income_Taxes_Details_Un

Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) - Unrecognized tax benefits (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Unrecognized tax benefits [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Balance	$6,779	$7,508	$7,508	$6,779
Balance	$6,779	$7,508	$7,508	$6,779

Note_9_Earnings_Per_Share_Deta

Note 9 - Earnings Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	2,020,588	2,342,722	2,266,422	2,342,722
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment	245,834	0	'	'

Note_9_Earnings_Per_Share_Deta1

Note 9 - Earnings Per Share (Details) - Basic and diluted earnings per share (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Basic and diluted earnings per share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss) from continuing operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders (a) (in Dollars)	$629	$1,479	($1,154)	($3,169)
Net Income (Loss) from continuing operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - Adjusted (b) (in Dollars)	629	1,479	-1,154	-3,169
Net Income from discontinued operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders (c) (in Dollars)	15	200	159	178
Net Income from discontinued operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - Adjusted (d) (in Dollars)	$15	$200	$159	$178
Average Common Shares Outstanding b Basic (e) (in Shares)	17,467,000	17,418,000	17,461,000	17,390,000
Effect of Dilutive Securities:	'	'	'	'
Stock Options / Warrants (in Shares)	65,000	'	'	'
Average Common Shares Outstanding b Diluted (f) (in Shares)	17,532,000	17,418,000	17,461,000	17,390,000
EPS b Basic (a/e) - continuing operations	$0.04	$0.09	($0.07)	($0.18)
EPS b Basic (c/e) - discontinued operations	$0	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01
EPS b Diluted (b/f) - continuing operations	$0.04	$0.09	($0.07)	($0.18)
EPS b Diluted (d/f) - discontinued operations	$0	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01

Note_10_Commitments_and_Contin2

Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		5 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Apr. 21, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 30, 2011	Jun. 01, 2011	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2005
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	'	'	'	'	'	'	$453,000	'
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,400,000
Litigation Settlement, Amount	'	2,730,000	'	125,000	'	2,700,000	'	'
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period	'	'	'	'	2,730,000	'	'	'
Contingency Settlement Interest Rate	'	'	'	'	'	2.63%	'	'
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	60,000,000	'	1,100,000	'	'	'	'	'
June 8, 2011 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contingency Settlement Principal Payment Due	'	'	'	'	'	1,000,000	'	'
December 1, 2011 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contingency Settlement Principal Payment Due	'	'	'	'	'	567,000	'	'
June 1, 2012 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contingency Settlement Principal Payment Due	'	'	'	'	'	567,000	'	'
December 1, 2012 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contingency Settlement Principal Payment Due	'	'	'	'	'	566,000	'	'
Community Development Block Grant [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Received To Date Under Grant	480,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years	1,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Mississippi Rural Impact Fund Grant [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Received To Date Under Grant	150,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years	$1,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Note_10_Commitments_and_Contin3

Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Changes in product warranty liability (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013
Changes in product warranty liability [Abstract]	'
Balance at	$607
Accruals for warranties issued	174
Settlements made	-68
Balance at	$713

Note_11_Business_Segment_Infor2

Note 11 - Business Segment Information (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of Operating Segments	2

Note_11_Business_Segment_Infor3

Note 11 - Business Segment Information (Details) - Components of segment performance (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$20,361	$26,181	$58,659	$72,388	'
Segment contribution	652	1,754	-847	-2,468	'
Interest expense, net	-53	-96	-172	-312	'
Miscellaneous	-8	-15	-31	17	'
Income taxes-current	19	-120	-42	-387	'
Income taxes-deferred	-3	-55	-93	-50	'
Income/loss from discontinued operations	15	200	159	178	'
Noncontrolling interest	22	11	31	31	'
Net income/loss attributable to Ultralife	644	1,679	-995	-2,991	'
Total assets	88,675	95,329	88,675	95,329	97,718
Battery & Energy Products [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	13,507	16,633	41,216	52,238	'
Segment contribution	3,601	4,770	10,191	12,476	'
Total assets	42,679	54,031	42,679	54,031	'
Communications Systems [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	6,854	9,548	17,443	20,150	'
Segment contribution	2,526	3,449	6,837	6,803	'
Total assets	32,268	32,290	32,268	32,290	'
Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income/loss from discontinued operations	15	200	159	178	'
Total assets	'	11	'	11	'
Corporate Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment contribution	-5,475	-6,465	-17,875	-21,747	'
Interest expense, net	-53	-96	-172	-312	'
Miscellaneous	-8	-15	-31	17	'
Income taxes-current	19	-120	-42	-387	'
Income taxes-deferred	-3	-55	-93	-50	'
Noncontrolling interest	22	11	31	31	'
Total assets	$13,728	$8,997	$13,728	$8,997	'

Note_13_Fire_at_Manufacturing_1

Note 13 - Fire at Manufacturing Facility (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Sep. 29, 2013
Extraordinary and Unusual Items [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Business Interruption Loss, Gross	'	'	$1,589	'
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Operating Activities	269	1,017	'	'
Insurance Settlements Receivable	'	'	'	184
Business Interruption, Insurance Deductible	'	'	$132	'