| Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2016 |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Basis of Presentation 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 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 $104,000 as of both December 31, 2016 and 2015. |
| Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Concentration of Risk 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. 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. Grand Shine Management (see Note 4) accounted for approximately 30% and 33% of our net purchases for fiscal years 2016 and 2015, respectively. Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co. accounted for approximately 5% of our net purchases for each fiscal year 2016 and 2015. 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. In 2016, we had two customers accounting for more than 10% of our net sales, for approximately 44% and 10% and in 2015, for approximately 37% and 10%. As of December 31, 2016, we had three customers accounting for more than 10% of our trade accounts receivable, net of allowances, ranging between approximately 13% and 85% and as of December 31, 2015 we had four customers ranging between approximately 12% and 16%. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Cash and Cash Equivalents 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. |
| Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue on arrangements in accordance with FASB ASC No. 605, “Revenue Recognition”. In all cases, |
| Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Allowances for Sales Returns and Doubtful Accounts 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. 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. The allowances for sales returns and doubtful accounts at December 31, 2016 and 2015 amounted to $49,000 and $47,000, respectively. |
| Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Inventory 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 $8,537,000 and $5,674,000 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Based upon regular evaluations of inventory to identify costs in excess of the lower of cost or market, slow-moving inventory and potential obsolescence, we increased our reserves by $3,640,000 and $600,000 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively (see Note 2 – Inventory). |
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Property and Equipment 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, equipment, computer software and hardware 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 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. 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 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 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 $5,000 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. |
| Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Shipping Activities 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 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 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. As a result of the implementation of certain provisions of ASC 740, Income 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 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 -
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Level 2 -
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Level 3 - 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 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 354,000 and 341,000 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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 The financial statements of our majority-owned subsidiary in Mexico and divisions in Taiwan and China are translated from the Mexican Peso, the Taiwanese Dollar and the Chinese Yuan, respectively, 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 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 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 We operate in one industry, the business of supplying ODM products and the distribution of 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. |
