Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2014 |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Basis of Presentation |
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The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) as promulgated in the United States of America. |
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Principles of Consolidation |
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Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Taitron Components, its various divisions and its 60% majority-owned subsidiary, Taitron Components Mexico, SA de CV (“TCM”). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The ownership interests of the noncontrolling investors in TCM are recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as a part of shareholder’s equity with a balance of $110,000 and $119,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. |
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Concentration of Risk |
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A significant number of the products we distribute are manufactured in Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, South Korea and the Philippines. The purchase of goods manufactured in foreign countries is subject to a number of risks, including economic disruptions, transportation delays and interruptions, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, imposition of tariffs and import and export controls and changes in governmental policies, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. |
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The ability to remain competitive with respect to the pricing of imported components could be adversely affected by increases in tariffs or duties, changes in trade treaties, strikes in air or sea transportation, and possible future U.S. legislation with respect to pricing and import quotas on products from foreign countries. For example, it is possible that political or economic developments in China, or with respect to the relationship of the United States with China, could have an adverse effect on our business. Our ability to remain competitive could also be affected by other government actions related to, among other things, anti-dumping legislation and international currency fluctuations. While we do not believe that any of these factors adversely impact our business at present, we cannot provide assurance that these factors will not materially adversely affect us in the future. Any significant disruption in the delivery of merchandise from our suppliers, substantially all of whom are foreign, could also have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations. Management estimates that over 90% of our products purchased were produced in Asia. |
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Grand Shine Management (see Note 3) accounted for approximately 28% and 31% of our net purchases for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively. Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co. accounted for approximately 8% and 6% of our net purchases for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively. However, we do not regard any one supplier as essential to our operations, since equivalent replacements for most of our products are either available from one or more of our other suppliers or are available from various other sources at competitive prices. We believe that, even if we lose our direct relationship with a supplier, there exist alternative sources for a supplier’s products. |
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In 2014, we had two customers accounting for more than 10% of our net sales, for approximately 27% and 11% and in 2013, only one customer for approximately 41%. |
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We had two customers accounting for more than 10% of our trade accounts receivable, net of allowances, for approximately 47% and 24% as of December 31, 2014 and for 17% and 14% as of December 31, 2013. |
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Cash and Cash Equivalents |
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Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and on deposit at banking institutions as well as all highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. Our cash equivalents are comprised primarily of money market investments. Accounts on deposit at our primary domestic financial institution are non-interest-bearing transaction accounts with unlimited insurance coverage by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation through December 31, 2012. Our foreign deposit accounts are not insured, however, we do not believe there is a significant credit risk with respect to the non-performance of these institutions based on their respective creditworthiness and liquidity. |
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Revenue Recognition |
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We recognize revenue on arrangements in accordance with FASB ASC No. 605, “Revenue Recognition”. In all cases, revenue is recognized when we have evidence of an arrangement, a determinable fee, and when collection is considered to be probable and products are delivered. This occurs upon shipment of the merchandise, which is when legal transfer of title occurs. Reserves for sales allowances and customer returns are established based upon historical experience and management’s estimates of future returns. Sales returns for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 amounted to $8,000 and $17,000, respectively. |
Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Allowances for Sales Returns and Doubtful Accounts |
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Sales Returns - We may, on a case-by-case basis, accept returns of products from our customers, without restocking charges, when they can demonstrate an acceptable cause for the return. Requests by a distributor to return products purchased for its own inventory generally are not included under this policy. We may, on a case-by-case basis, accept returns of products upon payment of a restocking fee, which is generally 10% to 30% of the net sales price. We will not accept returns of any products that were special-ordered by a customer or that otherwise are not generally included in our inventory. |
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Doubtful Accounts - Accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value or the amount we expect to collect on gross customer trade receivables. We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. If we become aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations after a sale has occurred, we records an allowance to reduce the net receivable to the amount it reasonably believes it will be able to collect from the customer. For all other customers, we recognize allowances for doubtful accounts based on the length of time the receivables are past due, the current business environment and historical experience. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate or if economic conditions worsen, additional allowances may be required in the future. All of our accounts receivables are trade-related receivables. |
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The allowances for sales returns and doubtful accounts at December 31, 2014 and 2013 amounted to $50,000 and $52,000, respectively. |
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Inventory |
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Inventory, consisting principally of products held for resale, is stated at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out method, or market. The amount presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet is net of valuation allowances of $6,582,000 and $5,939,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Based upon our systematic methodology that includes regular evaluations of inventory to identify costs in excess of the lower of cost or market and slow-moving inventory, we increased our reserves by $900,000 for both the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. |
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Property and Equipment |
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Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment are computed principally using accelerated and straight-line methods using lives from 5 to 7 years for furniture, machinery and equipment and 31.5 years for building and building improvements. Property and equipment amortized using an accelerated method does not result in a material difference over the straight-line method. Renewals and betterments, which extend the life of an existing asset, are capitalized while normal repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. |
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Investments |
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Investments are accounted for using the equity method if the investment provides us the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over an investee. Significant influence is generally deemed to exist if we have an ownership interest in the voting stock of the investee between 20% and 50%, although other factors, such as representation on the investee's Board of Directors, are considered in determining whether the equity method is appropriate. |
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All other equity investments, which consist of investments for which we do not possess the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for under the cost method. Under the cost method of accounting, investments are carried at cost and are adjusted only for other-than-temporary declines in realizable value and additional investments. |
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of |
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In accordance with ASC 350-30, we evaluate long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their net book value may not be recoverable. When such factors and circumstances exist, we compare the projected undiscounted future cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their estimated useful lives against their respective carrying amount. Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value, based on market value when available, or discounted expected cash flows, of those assets and is recorded in the period in which the determination is made. We currently believe there is no impairment of our long-lived assets. There can be no assurance, however, that market conditions will not change or demand for our products under development will continue. Either of these could result in future impairment of long-lived assets. |
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Marketing |
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Marketing costs consist primarily of payroll and related expenses for personnel engaged in marketing, business development, and selling activities. Advertising and other promotional costs, are expensed as incurred, and were $2,000 and $6,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. |
Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Shipping Activities |
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Outbound shipping charges to customers are included in “Net sales.” Outbound shipping-related costs are included in “Cost of goods sold.” |
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] | Stock-Based Compensation |
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We account for our share-based compensation in accordance ASC 718-20. Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the requisite vesting period. |
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Income Taxes |
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We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are recorded, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. |
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As a result of the implementation of certain provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), which clarifies the accounting and disclosure for uncertainty in tax positions, as defined, ASC 740 seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of the recognition and measurement related to accounting for income taxes. We adopted the provisions of ASC 740 as of January 1, 2007, and have analyzed filing positions in each of the federal and state jurisdictions where we are required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions. We have identified the U.S. federal and California as our "major" tax jurisdiction. With limited exceptions, we remain subject to Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) examination of our income tax returns filed within the last three (3) years, and to California Franchise Tax Board examination of our income tax returns filed within the last four (4) years. However, we have certain tax attribute carryforwards which will remain subject to review and adjustment by the relevant tax authorities until the statute of limitations closes with respect to the year in which such attributes are utilized. |
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We believe that our income tax filing positions and deductions will be sustained on audit and do not anticipate any adjustments that will result in a material change to our financial position. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded pursuant to ASC 740. In addition, we did not record a cumulative effect adjustment related to the adoption of ASC 740. Our policy for recording interest and penalties associated with income-based tax audits is to record such items as a component of income taxes. |
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Fair Value Measurements |
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When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance. We use the following three levels of inputs in determining the fair value of our assets and liabilities, focusing on the most observable inputs when available: |
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· | Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities. |
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· | Level 2 - Quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. |
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· | Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable. |
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To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is disclosed is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. |
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Net Loss Per Share |
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Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share includes potentially dilutive securities such as outstanding options and warrants, using various methods such as the treasury stock or modified treasury stock method in the determination of dilutive shares outstanding during each reporting period. Common equivalent shares, consisting primarily of stock options, of approximately 273,000 and 274,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share as their effect is anti-dilutive. |
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] | Foreign Currency Translation |
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The financial statements of our majority-owned subsidiary in Mexico and divisions in Taiwan and China, which were established in 1998, 1996 and 2005, respectively, are translated into U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. Balance sheet accounts are translated at year-end or historical rates while income and expenses are translated at weighted-average exchange rates for the year. Translation gains or losses related to net assets are shown as a separate component of shareholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income. Gains and losses resulting from realized foreign currency transactions (transactions denominated in a currency other than the entities’ functional currency) are included in operations. The transactional gains and losses are not significant to the consolidated financial statements. |
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Use of Estimates |
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Our management has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These estimates have a significant impact on our valuation and reserve accounts relating to the allowance for sales returns and allowances, doubtful accounts and inventory reserves. Actual results could differ from these estimates. |
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Reclassifications |
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Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ financial statements in order to conform to the current year presentation. Such reclassifications are immaterial to both current and all previously issued financial statements taken as a whole and had no effect on previously reported results of operations. |
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Business Segments |
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We operate in one industry, the business of providing distribution and value-added services for electronic components. Management designates the internal reporting used by the chief executive officer for making decisions and assessing performance as the source of our reportable segments. See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements Geographic Information, for additional information. |
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Recent Adopted Accounting Pronouncements |
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On January 1, 2014, we adopted ASU 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): 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. Under the revised guidance, the entire amount of the cumulative translation adjustment associated with the foreign entity will be released into earnings in the following circumstances: (a) the sale of a subsidiary or group of net assets within a foreign entity that represents a complete or substantially complete liquidation of that entity, (b) the loss of a controlling financial interest in an investment in a foreign entity, or (c) when the accounting for an investment in a foreign entity changes from the equity method to full consolidation. The revised guidance applies prospectively to transactions or events occurring on or after January 1, 2014. |
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New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted |
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FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 |
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In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360)." ASU 2014-08 amends the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations or that have a major effect on the Company's operations and financial results should be presented as discontinued operations. This new accounting guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2014-08 on the Company's results of consolidated operations or consolidated financial condition. |
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FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 |
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In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASU 2014-09), which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing U.S. GAAP. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein, using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements and has not yet determined the method by which it will adopt the standard beginning January 1, 2017. |
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Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, including its Emerging Issues Task Force, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Securities and Exchange Commission did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company's present or future consolidated financial statements. |