| Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] | 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Overview of Business We are primarily a supplier of original designed and manufactured (ODM) electronic components (“ODM Components”) with our product offerings ranging from discrete semiconductors through small electronic devices. Our products include value-added engineering and turn-key solutions, focusing on providing contract electronic manufacturers (CEMs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with ODM products for their multi-year turn-key projects (“ODM Projects”). We also distribute brand name electronic components with a vast inventory available on hand. We are incorporated in California, and were originally formed in 1989. We maintain a majority-owned subsidiary in Mexico (our Mexico sales and distribution operations closed in May 2013) and divisions in Taiwan and China which were established in 1998, 1996 and 2005, respectively. 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. 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 sheets as a part of shareholders’ equity with a balance of $96,000 and $100,000 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 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 – Other Assets) accounted for approximately 35% and 33% of our net purchases for fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively. Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co. accounted for approximately 3% and 5% of our net purchases for each fiscal year 2018 and 2017. 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 2018, we had one customer accounting for more than 10% of our net sales, for approximately 48%. In 2017, we have two customers accounting for more than 10% of our net sales, for approximately 38% and 13%. As of December 31, 2018, we had one customer accounting for more than 10% of our trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of approximately 64% and as of December 31, 2017 we had two customers of approximately 49% and 22%. 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. Our cash equivalents are comprised primarily of money market investments. Our 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 We recognize revenue on arrangements in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC 606”). Revenue is recognized at the point at which control of the underlying products are transferred to the customer. Satisfaction of our performance obligations occur upon the transfer of control of products, either from our facilities or directly from suppliers to customers. We consider customer purchase orders to be the contracts with a customer. All revenue is generated from contracts with customers. 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, 2018 and 2017 amounted to $12,000 and $190,000, respectively. Business Segments We operate in one industry, the business of supplying ODM products and 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 Nature of products We are primarily a supplier of original designed and manufactured (ODM) products that include value-added engineering and turn-key solutions. The following is a description of major products lines from which we generate our revenue: ODM Projects ODM Components Distribution Components Disaggregation of revenue In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by primary geographical market, major product line, and timing of revenue recognition.
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
2018
2017
Primary geographical markets:
United States $ 7,377,000 $ 6,803,000
Asia 806,000 781,000
Other 39,000 38,000
8,222,000 7,622,000
Major product lines:
ODM projects $ 4,890,000 $ 4,270,000
ODM components 2,709,000 2,656,000
Distribution components 623,000 696,000
8,222,000 7,622,000
Timing of revenue recognition:
Products transferred at a point in time $ 8,222,000 $ 7,622,000 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 record an allowance to reduce the net receivable to the amount we reasonably believe we 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, 2018 and 2017 amounted to $38,000 and $40,000, respectively. Inventory Inventory, consisting principally of products held for resale, is stated at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out method, or net realizable value. The amount presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet is net of valuation allowances of $7,189,000 and $7,848,000 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Based upon regular evaluations of inventory to identify costs in excess of the lower of cost or net realizable value, slow-moving inventory and potential obsolescence, we increased our reserves by $180,000 during each of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 (see Note 2 – Inventory). 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. 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 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. 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 $10,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Shipping Activities Outbound shipping charges to customers are included in “Net sales.” Outbound shipping-related costs are included in “Cost of goods sold.” Stock-Based Compensation We account for our employee 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 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. ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), which clarifies the accounting and disclosure for uncertainty in tax positions, as defined, 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. 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. 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 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 - 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. 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. Net Income Per Share Basic income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share includes potentially dilutive securities such as outstanding options and warrants, using the treasury stock method in the determination of dilutive shares outstanding during each reporting period. 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 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 income taxes, the allowance for sales returns and allowances, doubtful accounts and inventory reserves. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications may 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. New Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard on leasing. The new standard will require companies to record most leased assets and liabilities on the balance sheet, and also proposes a dual model for recognizing expense. This guidance will be effective in the first quarter of 2019 with early adoption permitted. We have evaluated the impact of adopting this guidance and we expect the adoption of these accounting changes will not impact our assets and liabilities nor our net income or equity, as we currently do not lease any assets. In January 2017, the FASB issued a new accounting standard which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. This guidance will be effective for the Company for the year ending December 31, 2019 and interim reporting periods within that year. Early adoption is permitted for transactions that have not been reported in financial statements that have been issued or made available for issuance. We expect the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2017, the FASB issued a new accounting standard which provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in ASC Topic 718. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, the vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. This guidance will be effective for the year ending December 31, 2019 and interim reporting periods within that year. Early adoption is permitted. We expect the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. |
