Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information	Jun. 30, 2013	Aug. 02, 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		17,458,977
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	Jun. 30, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 11,158	$ 9,656
Restricted cash	414	422
Trade accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $305 at June 30, 2013 and $322 at December 31, 2012)	12,401	20,913
Inventories	31,021	30,370
Due from insurance company	438	723
Deferred tax asset - current	157	120
Income taxes receivable	120	28
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,468	1,590
Total current assets	57,177	63,822
Property, plant and equipment, net	11,249	12,415
Other assets:
Goodwill	16,391	16,344
Intangible assets, net	4,844	5,039
Security deposits and other long-term assets	1,474	98
	22,709	21,481
Total Assets	91,135	97,718
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	9,400	11,357
Income taxes payable	2	2
Deferred tax liability - current	74
Other current liabilities	4,900	8,533
Total current liabilities	14,376	19,892
Long-term liabilities:
Deferred tax liability - long-term	4,298	4,160
Other long-term liabilities	195	210
Total long-term liabilities	4,493	4,370
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Ultralife equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share, authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding
Common stock, par value $0.10 per share, authorized 40,000,000 shares; issued - 18,831,734 at June 30, 2013 and 18,828,734 at December 31, 2012	1,886	1,886
Capital in excess of par value	174,233	173,791
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(599)	(620)
Accumulated deficit	(95,522)	(93,878)
	79,998	81,179
Less --Treasury stock, at cost -- 1,372,757 shares at June 30, 2013 and 1,372,757 shares at December 31, 2012	7,658	7,658
Total Ultralife equity	72,340	73,521
Noncontrolling interest	(74)	(65)
Total shareholders' equity	72,266	73,456
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$ 91,135	$ 97,718

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Trade accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in Dollars)	$ 305	$ 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
Preferred stock, shares outstanding
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	18,831,734	18,828,734
Treasury stock, shares	1,372,757	1,372,757

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012
Revenues	$ 17,279	$ 18,706	$ 38,298	$ 46,207
Cost of products sold	12,757	14,239	27,397	35,147
Gross profit	4,522	4,467	10,901	11,060
Operating expenses:
Research and development (including $55, $65, $111 and $130, respectively, of amortization of intangible assets)	1,669	1,970	3,038	4,109
Selling, general, and administrative (including $43, $60, $88 and $120, respectively, of amortization of intangible assets)	4,727	5,429	9,362	11,172
Total operating expenses	6,396	7,399	12,400	15,281
Operating loss	(1,874)	(2,932)	(1,499)	(4,221)
Other income (expense):
Interest income	12	2	14	3
Interest expense	(43)	(115)	(133)	(219)
Miscellaneous	2	(20)	(23)	32
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(1,903)	(3,065)	(1,641)	(4,405)
Income tax provision-current	23	188	61	267
Income tax provision (benefit)-deferred	30	(17)	90	(5)
Total income taxes provision	53	171	151	262
Net loss from continuing operations	(1,956)	(3,236)	(1,792)	(4,667)
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(120)	49	144	(22)
Net loss	(2,076)	(3,187)	(1,648)	(4,689)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	3	20	9	20
Net loss attributable to Ultralife	(2,073)	(3,167)	(1,639)	(4,669)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	148	(25)	21	123
Comprehensive loss attributable to Ultralife	$ (1,925)	$ (3,192)	$ (1,618)	$ (4,546)
Net income (loss) attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - basic
Continuing operations (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.10)	$ (0.27)
Discontinued operations (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.01)	$ 0.00	$ 0.01	$ 0.00
Total (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.27)
Net income (loss) attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - diluted
Continuing operations (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.10)	$ (0.27)
Discontinued operations (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.01)	$ 0.00	$ 0.01	$ 0.00
Total (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.27)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in Shares)	17,459,000	17,396,000	17,458,000	17,376,000
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in Shares)	17,459,000	17,396,000	17,458,000	17,376,000

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss	$ (1,648)	$ (4,689)
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(144)	22
Depreciation and amortization of financing fees	1,637	1,717
Amortization of intangible assets	199	250
Loss on long-lived asset impairment	56
Loss on long-lived asset disposal and write-offs		5
Foreign exchange loss (gain)	22	(22)
Non-cash stock-based compensation	430	670
Changes in deferred income taxes	172	(5)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	8,543	5,190
Inventories	(592)	1,273
Income taxes receivable	(91)	104
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(1,456)	(284)
Due from Insurance Company	299	1,022
Income taxes payable		(9)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	(4,384)	(5,536)
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities from continuing operations	3,043	(292)
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations	(998)
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	2,045	(292)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property and equipment	(444)	(1,546)
Change in restricted cash	4
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations	(440)	(1,546)
Net cash used in investing activities	(440)	(1,546)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net change in revolving credit facility		357
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	12	115
Net cash provided from financing activities from continuing operations	12	472
Net cash provided from financing activities	12	472
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(115)	62
Change in cash and cash equivalents	1,502	(1,304)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	9,656	5,320
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	11,158	4,016
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for income taxes	74	174
Cash paid for interest	$ 67	$ 146

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 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 Activities

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 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 six month periods ending June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012:

	Three Month Periods Ended				Six Month Periods Ended
	June 30, 2013		July1, 2012		June 30, 2013		July1, 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 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 six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012:

	Three Month Periods Ended					Six Month Periods Ended
	June 30, 2013			July 1, 2012		June 30, 2013			July 1, 2012
Net sales	$	-		$	951	$	-		$	2,137
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations		(118	)		68		(111	)		56
Provision for income taxes		-			12		-			23
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(118	)		56		(111	)		33

Note 4 - Property, Plant and Equipment

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 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:

	June 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Land	$	123	$	123
Buildings and leasehold improvements		7,402		7,381
Machinery and equipment		46,552		46,606
Furniture and fixtures		1,928		1,810
Computer hardware and software		4,198		4,103
Construction in progress		1,138		1,275
		61,341		61,298
Less: Accumulated depreciation		50,092		48,883
	$	11,249	$	12,415

Depreciation expense for property, plant and equipment was $729 and $1,559 for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, and $824 and $1,660 for the three and six month periods ended July 1, 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 June 30, 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 six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 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 letter and the 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 Assets and Long Term Assets

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012:

	Battery & Energy Products			Communications Systems		Discontinued Operations			Total

Balance at December 31, 2011	$	4,838		$	11,493	$	2,025		$	18,356

Effect of foreign currency Translations		23			-		-			23

Balance at July 1, 2012		4,861			11,493		2,025			18,379

Sale of RedBlack Communications							(2,025	)		(2,025	)
Effect of foreign currency Translations		(10	)		-		-			(10	)

Balance at December 31, 2012		4,851			11,493		-			16,344

Effect of foreign currency translations		47			-		-			47

Balance at June 30, 2013	$	4,898		$	11,493	$	-		$	16,391

b. Intangible Assets

The composition of intangible assets was:

	June 30, 2013
	Gross Assets		Accumulated Amortization		Net

Trademarks	$	3,566	$	-	$	3,566
Patents and technology		4,505		3,822		683
Customer relationships		4,020		3,469		551
Distributor relationships		388		344		44
Non-compete agreements		218		218		-

Total intangible assets	$	12,697	$	7,853	$	4,844

	December 31, 2012
	Gross Assets		Accumulated Amortization		Net

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 $98 and $199 for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, and $125 and $250 for the three and six month periods ended July 1, 2012, respectively.

The change in the cost value of total intangible assets from December 31, 2012 to June 30, 2013 is a result of the effect of foreign currency translations.

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 $1,174 is classified as long-term.

Note 6 - Debt

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt Disclosure [Text Block]

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 our 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 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 will accrue on outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Agreement at the alternate base rate, as defined within 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 Borrowing Availability	Applicable Margin for Alternate Base Rate Loans	Applicable Margin for LIBOR Rate Loans
Greater than $8,000,000	1.00%	2.00%
$5,000,000 up to $8,000,000	1.25%	2.25%
Less than $5,000,000	1.50%	2.50%

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 June 30, 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 June 30, 2013, we had $-0- outstanding under the Credit Facility, an applicable interest rate of 2.20%, approximately $13,227 of borrowing capacity in addition to our unrestricted cash on hand of $11,158, and no outstanding letters of credit related to this facility.

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

7.	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

a. Treasury Stock

At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had 1,372,757 shares of treasury stock valued at $7,658.

b. 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 June 30, 2013, there were 2,119,538 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 $200 and $390 for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and $252 and $516 for the three and six month periods ended July 1, 2012, respectively. As of June 30, 2013, there was $917 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.65 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 six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012.

	Six Month Periods Ended
	June 30, 2013			July 1, 2012

Risk-free interest rate		0.68	%		0.59	%
Volatility factor		62.60	%		62.88	%
Dividends		0.00	%		0.00	%
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 six months ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 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 six months of 2013 is summarized as:

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value

Shares under option at January 1, 2013		2,211,488		$	7.47
Options granted		153,000			3.49
Options exercised		(3,000	)		3.91
Options forfeited		(29,882	)		4.26
Options expired		(162,068	)		10.87
Shares under option at June 30, 2013		2,169,538		$	6.98	4.58	$	74

Vested and expected to vest as of June 30, 2013		1,958,735		$	7.22	4.53	$	56
Options exercisable at June 30, 2013		960,662		$	6.72	3.59	$	0

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 three month period ended June 30, 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 six months of 2013 and 2012. Cash received from stock option exercises under our stock-based compensation plans for the six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012 was $12 and $115, respectively.

c. 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:

	Six Month Period Ended
	June 30, 2013

Risk-free interest rate		0.21	%
Volatility factor		59.08	%
Dividends		0.00	%

The restricted stock units had the following values:

	Three Month Period Ended June 30, 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 six months of 2013 is summarized below:

	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at January 1, 2013		0	$	0
Granted		120,000	$	3.62
Vested		0		0
Forfeited		0		0
Unvested at June 30, 2013		120,000	$	3.62

No restricted stock was awarded during the six month period ended July 1, 2012.

Compensation cost recorded in our financial statements related to our restricted stock units and restricted stock awards was $40 and $40 during the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2013, respectively, and $0 and $1 during the three and six month periods ended July 1, 2012, respectively. There is $394 of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units as of June 30, 2013.

Note 8 - Income Taxes

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 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 six month periods ended June 30, 2013, we recorded $53 and $151, respectively, in income tax expense. For the three and six month periods ended July 1, 2012, we recorded $171 and $262, respectively, for income tax expense. The expense is primarily due to the recognition of deferred tax liabilities generated from goodwill and certain intangible assets that cannot be predicted to reverse for book purposes during our loss carryforward periods. The remaining expense in 2013 was primarily due to the income reported for our China operations during the period.

Our effective consolidated tax rates for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012 were:

	Three Month Periods Ended						Six Month Periods Ended
	June 30, 2013			July 1, 2012			June 30, 2013			July 1, 2012
Loss from continuing operations before Incomes Taxes (a)	$	(1,903	)	$	(3,065	)	$	(1,641	)	$	(4,405	)

Total Income Tax Provision (b)	$	53		$	171		$	151		$	262

Effective Tax Rate (b/a)		2.8	%		5.6	%		9.2	%		5.9	%

The overall effective tax rate is the result of the combination of income and losses in each of our tax jurisdictions, which is particularly influenced by the fact that we have 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 six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively. The alternative minimum tax did not have an impact on income taxes determined for the three and six month periods ended July 1, 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 $58,030 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 $48,549 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.

We have adopted FASB’s guidance for the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. As a result of the implementation of this guidance, there was no cumulative effect adjustment for unrecognized tax benefits, which would have been accounted for as an adjustment to retained earnings.

Our unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions at June 30, 2013 relate to Federal and various state jurisdictions. The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits:

	Six Month Periods Ended
	June 30, 2013		July 1, 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 June 30, 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.

We have determined that changes in ownership, as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 382, occurred during 2005 and 2006. As such, the domestic net operating loss carryforwards will be subject to an annual limitation estimated to be in the range of approximately $12,000 to $14,500. The unused portion of the annual limitation can be carried forward to subsequent periods. We believe such limitation will not impact our ability to realize the deferred tax asset. 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

6 Months Ended

Jun. 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 six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 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						Six Month Period Ended
	June 30, 2013			July 1, 2012			June 30, 2013			July 1, 2012
Net Loss from continuing operations attributable to Ultralife	$	(1,953	)	$	(3,216	)	$	(1,783	)	$	(4,647	)
Net Loss from continuing operations attributable to participating securities (unvested restricted stock awards) (-0-, -0-, -0- and -0- shares, respectively)		-			-			-			-
Net Loss from continuing operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders (a)		(1,953	)		(3,216	)		(1,783	)		(4,647	)
Effect of Dilutive Securities		-			-			-			-
Net Loss from continuing operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - Adjusted (b)	$	(1,953	)	$	(3,216	)	$	(1,783	)	$	(4,647	)

Net Income (Loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders (c)	$	(120	)	$	49		$	144		$	(22	)
Effect of Dilutive Securities		-			-			-			-
Net Income (Loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - Adjusted (d)	$	(120	)	$	49		$	144		$	(22	)

Average Common Shares Outstanding – Basic (e)		17,459,000			17,396,000			17,458,000			17,376,000
Effect of Dilutive Securities: Stock Options / Warrants		-			-			-			-
Average Common Shares Outstanding – Diluted (f)		17,459,000			17,396,000			17,458,000			17,376,000

EPS – Basic (a/e) - continuing operations	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.18	)	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.27	)
EPS – Basic (c/e) - discontinued operations	$	(0.01	)	$	0.00		$	0.01		$	(0.00	)
EPS – Diluted (b/f) - continuing operations	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.18	)	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.27	)
EPS – Diluted (d/f) - discontinued operations	$	(0.01	)	$	0.00		$	0.01		$	(0.00	)

There were 2,289,538 and 2,363,928 outstanding stock options and awards at June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012, respectively, that were not included in the three month EPS calculation as the effect would be anti-dilutive.

There were 2,289,538 and 2,363,928 outstanding stock options and awards at June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012, respectively, that were not included in the six month EPS calculation as the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

10.	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

a. Purchase Commitments

As of June 30, 2013, we have made commitments to purchase approximately $461 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		120
Settlements made		(46	)
Balance at June 30, 2013	$	681

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. 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 Information

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 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 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 June 30, 2013
	Battery & Energy Products		Communications Systems		Discontinued Operations			Corporate			Total
Revenues	$	14,656	$	2,623	$	-		$	-		$	17,279
Segment contribution		3,490		1,032		-			(6,396	)		(1,874	)
Interest expense, net									(31	)		(31	)
Miscellaneous									2			2
Income taxes-current									(23	)		(23	)
Income taxes-deferred									(30	)		(30	)
Loss from discontinued operations						(120	)					(120	)
Noncontrolling interest									3			3
Net loss attributable to Ultralife											$	(2,073	)
Total assets	$	44,357	$	31,711	$	-		$	15,067		$	91,135

Three Month Period Ended July 1, 2012
	Battery & Energy Products		Communications Systems		Discontinued Operations		Corporate			Total
Revenues	$	15,523	$	3,183	$	-	$	-		$	18,706
Segment contribution		3,763		704		-		(7,399	)		(2,932	)
Interest expense, net								(113	)		(113	)
Miscellaneous								(20	)		(20	)
Income taxes-current								(188	)		(188	)
Income taxes-deferred								17			17
Income from discontinued operations						49					49
Noncontrolling interest								20			20
Net loss attributable to Ultralife										$	(3,167	)
Total assets	$	51,477	$	30,548	$	2,759	$	8,207		$	92,991

Six Month Period Ended June 30, 2013
	Battery & Energy Products		Communications Systems		Discontinued Operations		Corporate			Total
Revenues	$	27,709	$	10,589	$	-	$	-		$	38,298
Segment contribution		6,590		4,311		-		(12,400	)		(1,499	)
Interest expense, net								(119	)		(119	)
Miscellaneous								(23	)		(23	)
Income taxes-current								(61	)		(61	)
Income taxes-deferred								(90	)		(90	)
Gain from discontinued operations						144					144
Noncontrolling interest								9			9
Net loss attributable to Ultralife										$	(1,639	)
Total assets	$	44,357	$	31,711	$	-	$	15,067		$	91,135

Six Month Period Ended July 1, 2012
	Battery & Energy Products		Communications Systems		Discontinued Operations			Corporate			Total
Revenues	$	35,605	$	10,602	$	-		$	-		$	46,207
Segment contribution		7,706		3,354		-			(15,281	)		(4,221	)
Interest expense, net									(216	)		(216	)
Miscellaneous									32			32
Income taxes-current									(267	)		(267	)
Income taxes-deferred									5			5
Loss from discontinued operations						(22	)					(22	)
Noncontrolling interest									20			20
Net loss attributable to Ultralife											$	(4,669	)
Total assets	$	51,477	$	30,548	$	2,759		$	8,207		$	92,991

Note 12 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 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 June 30, 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 Facility

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 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 fully 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 June, 2013, we reflect a receivable from the insurance company relating to this claim of $165, 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 and reflected as a component of cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Note 14 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Developments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 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 states 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 Activities (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 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				Six Month Periods Ended
	June 30, 2013		July1, 2012		June 30, 2013		July1, 2012
Net sales	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Gain from discontinued operations		-		-		241		-
Provision for income taxes		-		-		-		-
Gain from discontinued operations, net of tax		-		-		241		-

	Three Month Periods Ended					Six Month Periods Ended
	June 30, 2013			July 1, 2012		June 30, 2013			July 1, 2012
Net sales	$	-		$	951	$	-		$	2,137
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations		(118	)		68		(111	)		56
Provision for income taxes		-			12		-			23
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(118	)		56		(111	)		33

Note 5 - Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long Term Assets (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]

	Battery & Energy Products			Communications Systems		Discontinued Operations			Total

Balance at December 31, 2011	$	4,838		$	11,493	$	2,025		$	18,356

Effect of foreign currency Translations		23			-		-			23

Balance at July 1, 2012		4,861			11,493		2,025			18,379

Sale of RedBlack Communications							(2,025	)		(2,025	)
Effect of foreign currency Translations		(10	)		-		-			(10	)

Balance at December 31, 2012		4,851			11,493		-			16,344

Effect of foreign currency translations		47			-		-			47

Balance at June 30, 2013	$	4,898		$	11,493	$	-		$	16,391

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]

	June 30, 2013
	Gross Assets		Accumulated Amortization		Net

Trademarks	$	3,566	$	-	$	3,566
Patents and technology		4,505		3,822		683
Customer relationships		4,020		3,469		551
Distributor relationships		388		344		44
Non-compete agreements		218		218		-

Total intangible assets	$	12,697	$	7,853	$	4,844

	December 31, 2012
	Gross Assets		Accumulated Amortization		Net

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 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

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

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value

Shares under option at January 1, 2013		2,211,488		$	7.47
Options granted		153,000			3.49
Options exercised		(3,000	)		3.91
Options forfeited		(29,882	)		4.26
Options expired		(162,068	)		10.87
Shares under option at June 30, 2013		2,169,538		$	6.98	4.58	$	74

Vested and expected to vest as of June 30, 2013		1,958,735		$	7.22	4.53	$	56
Options exercisable at June 30, 2013		960,662		$	6.72	3.59	$	0

Schedule Of Share Based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units, Award Values [Table Text Block]

	Three Month Period Ended June 30, 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 Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at January 1, 2013		0	$	0
Granted		120,000	$	3.62
Vested		0		0
Forfeited		0		0
Unvested at June 30, 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]

	Six Month Periods Ended
	June 30, 2013			July 1, 2012

Risk-free interest rate		0.68	%		0.59	%
Volatility factor		62.60	%		62.88	%
Dividends		0.00	%		0.00	%
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]

	Six Month Period Ended
	June 30, 2013

Risk-free interest rate		0.21	%
Volatility factor		59.08	%
Dividends		0.00	%

Note 8 - Income Taxes (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

	Three Month Periods Ended						Six Month Periods Ended
	June 30, 2013			July 1, 2012			June 30, 2013			July 1, 2012
Loss from continuing operations before Incomes Taxes (a)	$	(1,903	)	$	(3,065	)	$	(1,641	)	$	(4,405	)

Total Income Tax Provision (b)	$	53		$	171		$	151		$	262

Effective Tax Rate (b/a)		2.8	%		5.6	%		9.2	%		5.9	%

Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]

	Six Month Periods Ended
	June 30, 2013		July 1, 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 (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

	Three Month Period Ended						Six Month Period Ended
	June 30, 2013			July 1, 2012			June 30, 2013			July 1, 2012
Net Loss from continuing operations attributable to Ultralife	$	(1,953	)	$	(3,216	)	$	(1,783	)	$	(4,647	)
Net Loss from continuing operations attributable to participating securities (unvested restricted stock awards) (-0-, -0-, -0- and -0- shares, respectively)		-			-			-			-
Net Loss from continuing operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders (a)		(1,953	)		(3,216	)		(1,783	)		(4,647	)
Effect of Dilutive Securities		-			-			-			-
Net Loss from continuing operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - Adjusted (b)	$	(1,953	)	$	(3,216	)	$	(1,783	)	$	(4,647	)

Net Income (Loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders (c)	$	(120	)	$	49		$	144		$	(22	)
Effect of Dilutive Securities		-			-			-			-
Net Income (Loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - Adjusted (d)	$	(120	)	$	49		$	144		$	(22	)

Average Common Shares Outstanding – Basic (e)		17,459,000			17,396,000			17,458,000			17,376,000
Effect of Dilutive Securities: Stock Options / Warrants		-			-			-			-
Average Common Shares Outstanding – Diluted (f)		17,459,000			17,396,000			17,458,000			17,376,000

EPS – Basic (a/e) - continuing operations	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.18	)	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.27	)
EPS – Basic (c/e) - discontinued operations	$	(0.01	)	$	0.00		$	0.01		$	(0.00	)
EPS – Diluted (b/f) - continuing operations	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.18	)	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.27	)
EPS – Diluted (d/f) - discontinued operations	$	(0.01	)	$	0.00		$	0.01		$	(0.00	)

Note 11 - Business Segment Information (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]

Three Month Period Ended June 30, 2013
	Battery & Energy Products		Communications Systems		Discontinued Operations			Corporate			Total
Revenues	$	14,656	$	2,623	$	-		$	-		$	17,279
Segment contribution		3,490		1,032		-			(6,396	)		(1,874	)
Interest expense, net									(31	)		(31	)
Miscellaneous									2			2
Income taxes-current									(23	)		(23	)
Income taxes-deferred									(30	)		(30	)
Loss from discontinued operations						(120	)					(120	)
Noncontrolling interest									3			3
Net loss attributable to Ultralife											$	(2,073	)
Total assets	$	44,357	$	31,711	$	-		$	15,067		$	91,135

Three Month Period Ended July 1, 2012
	Battery & Energy Products		Communications Systems		Discontinued Operations		Corporate			Total
Revenues	$	15,523	$	3,183	$	-	$	-		$	18,706
Segment contribution		3,763		704		-		(7,399	)		(2,932	)
Interest expense, net								(113	)		(113	)
Miscellaneous								(20	)		(20	)
Income taxes-current								(188	)		(188	)
Income taxes-deferred								17			17
Income from discontinued operations						49					49
Noncontrolling interest								20			20
Net loss attributable to Ultralife										$	(3,167	)
Total assets	$	51,477	$	30,548	$	2,759	$	8,207		$	92,991

Six Month Period Ended June 30, 2013
	Battery & Energy Products		Communications Systems		Discontinued Operations		Corporate			Total
Revenues	$	27,709	$	10,589	$	-	$	-		$	38,298
Segment contribution		6,590		4,311		-		(12,400	)		(1,499	)
Interest expense, net								(119	)		(119	)
Miscellaneous								(23	)		(23	)
Income taxes-current								(61	)		(61	)
Income taxes-deferred								(90	)		(90	)
Gain from discontinued operations						144					144
Noncontrolling interest								9			9
Net loss attributable to Ultralife										$	(1,639	)
Total assets	$	44,357	$	31,711	$	-	$	15,067		$	91,135

Six Month Period Ended July 1, 2012
	Battery & Energy Products		Communications Systems		Discontinued Operations			Corporate			Total
Revenues	$	35,605	$	10,602	$	-		$	-		$	46,207
Segment contribution		7,706		3,354		-			(15,281	)		(4,221	)
Interest expense, net									(216	)		(216	)
Miscellaneous									32			32
Income taxes-current									(267	)		(267	)
Income taxes-deferred									5			5
Loss from discontinued operations						(22	)					(22	)
Noncontrolling interest									20			20
Net loss attributable to Ultralife											$	(4,669	)
Total assets	$	51,477	$	30,548	$	2,759		$	8,207		$	92,991

Note 2 - Dispositions and Exit Activities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	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
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses	2,133
Length Of Time Sales Proceeds Held In Escrow	1 year
Escrow Deposit	250
Sales Price Reserved For Employee Retention Programs	150
Post Closing Working Capital Adjustment to Purchase Price	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 Activities (Details) - Discontinued Operations (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 17,279	$ 18,706	$ 38,298	$ 46,207
Provision (Benefit) for income taxes	53	171	151	262
Income (Loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(120)	49	144	(22)
Ultralife Batteries UK, Ltd. [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from discontinued operations			241
Income (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		951		2,137
Income (Loss) from discontinued operations	(118)	68	(111)	56
Provision (Benefit) for income taxes		12		23
Income (Loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (118)	$ 56	$ (111)	$ 33

Note 3 - Inventories (Details) - Composition of inventories (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Composition of inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 16,346	$ 15,023
Work in process	3,470	4,863
Finished goods	11,205	10,484
	$ 31,021	$ 30,370

Note 4 - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$ 729	$ 824	$ 1,559	$ 1,660
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 56

Note 4 - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - Major classes of property, plant and equipment (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Major classes of property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Land	$ 123	$ 123
Buildings and leasehold improvements	7,402	7,381
Machinery and equipment	46,552	46,606
Furniture and fixtures	1,928	1,810
Computer hardware and software	4,198	4,103
Construction in progress	1,138	1,275
	61,341	61,298
Less: Accumulated depreciation	50,092	48,883
	$ 11,249	$ 12,415

Note 5 - Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long Term Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 98	$ 125	$ 199	$ 250
Accounts Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	$ 1,174		$ 1,174		$ 2,031

Note 5 - Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long Term Assets (Details) - Goodwill activity by segment (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at	$ 16,391	$ 16,344	$ 18,379	$ 18,356
Sale of RedBlack Communications		(2,025)
Effect of foreign currency translations	47	(10)	23
Battery & Energy Products [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at	4,898	4,851	4,861	4,838
Effect of foreign currency translations	47	(10)	23
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	2,025
Sale of RedBlack Communications		$ (2,025)

Note 5 - Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long Term Assets (Details) - Composition of intangible assets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Assets	$ 3,566	$ 3,564
Net	3,566	3,564
Accumulated Amortization	7,853	7,615
Gross Assets	12,697	12,654
Net	4,844	5,039
Patented Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Assets	4,505	4,495
Accumulated Amortization	3,822	3,702
Net	683	793
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Assets	4,020	3,998
Accumulated Amortization	3,469	3,366
Net	551	632
Distributor Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Assets	388	380
Accumulated Amortization	344	330
Net	44	50
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Assets	218	217
Accumulated Amortization	$ 218	$ 217

Note 6 - Debt (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
Note 6 - Debt (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 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	0.375%
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	1:00
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	0
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	2.20%
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	13,227
Cash	11,158
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 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 (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended						3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		1 Months Ended							6 Months Ended			1 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Mar. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2005	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 03, 2011	Mar. 07, 2008	Dec. 19, 2005	Jun. 30, 2013 Employee Stock Option [Member]	Jul. 01, 2012 Employee Stock Option [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Employee Stock Option [Member]	Jul. 01, 2012 Employee Stock Option [Member]	Jan. 29, 2013 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Chief Executive Officer [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Restricted Stock [Member]	Jul. 01, 2012 Restricted Stock [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Restricted Stock [Member]	Jul. 01, 2012 Restricted Stock [Member]	Jan. 29, 2013 Vesting Condition 1 [Member]	Jan. 29, 2013 Vesting Condition 2 [Member]	Jan. 29, 2013 Vesting Condition 3 [Member]	Jan. 29, 2013 Vesting Condition 4 [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]	Jun. 30, 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Incentive Stock Options [Member] Minimum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Incentive Stock Options [Member] Maximum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Non Qualified Stock Options [Member] Minimum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Option Grant 1 [Member]	Dec. 30, 2010 Option Grant 1 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Option Grant 2 [Member]	Dec. 30, 2010 Option Grant 2 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Option Grant 3 [Member]	Dec. 30, 2010 Option Grant 3 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Option Grant 4 [Member]	Dec. 30, 2010 Option Grant 4 [Member]
Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares					1,372,757	1,372,757		1,372,757
Treasury Stock, Value (in Dollars)					$ 7,658,000	$ 7,658,000		$ 7,658,000
Common Stock, Shares Authorized					40,000,000	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					2,169,538	2,169,538		2,211,488																	2,119,538
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	50,000		50,000	48,000		153,000																									50,000		250,000		200,000		200,000
Share Price (in Dollars per share)									$ 6.58	$ 12.74	$ 12.96																					$ 6.42		$ 6.42		$ 10.00		$ 15.00
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)																					$ 4.00	$ 5.00	$ 4.00	$ 5.00												$ 10.00		$ 15.00
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)						430,000	670,000					200,000	252,000	390,000	516,000		40	0	40	1,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)												917,000		917,000			394		394
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition						1 year 237 days
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										120,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross (in Dollars)							$ 0

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Stock options valuation assumptions (Employee Stock Option [Member])	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Stock options valuation assumptions [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	0.68%	0.59%
Volatility factor	62.60%	62.88%
Dividends	0.00%	0.00%
Weighted average expected life (years)	4 years 21 days	3 years 332 days

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Stock option activity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2005	Jun. 30, 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	153,000
Options granted (in Dollars per share)				$ 3.49
Options exercised				(3,000)
Options exercised (in Dollars per share)				$ 3.91
Options forfeited				(29,882)
Options forfeited (in Dollars per share)				$ 4.26
Options expired				(162,068)
Options expired (in Dollars per share)				$ 10.87
Shares under option at June 30, 2013				2,169,538
Shares under option at June 30, 2013 (in Dollars per share)				$ 6.98
Shares under option at June 30, 2013				4 years 211 days
Shares under option at June 30, 2013 (in Dollars)				$ 74
Vested and expected to vest as of June 30, 2013				1,958,735
Vested and expected to vest as of June 30, 2013 (in Dollars per share)				$ 7.22
Vested and expected to vest as of June 30, 2013				4 years 193 days
Vested and expected to vest as of June 30, 2013 (in Dollars)				56
Options exercisable at June 30, 2013				960,662
Options exercisable at June 30, 2013 (in Dollars per share)				$ 6.72
Options exercisable at June 30, 2013				3 years 215 days
Options exercisable at June 30, 2013 (in Dollars)				$ 0

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Restricted stock units valuation assumptions (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member])	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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 (Details) - Restricted stock units values (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Restricted stock units values [Abstract]
Number of shares award	120,000	120,000
Weighted average fair value per share (in Dollars per share)	$ 3.62	$ 3.62
Aggregate total value (in Dollars)	$ 434	$ 434

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Restricted stock units activity (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Restricted stock units activity [Abstract]
Unvested at January 1, 2013		0
Unvested at January 1, 2013 (in Dollars per share)		$ 0
Unvested at June 30, 2013	120,000	120,000
Unvested at June 30, 2013 (in Dollars per share)	$ 3.62	$ 3.62
Granted	120,000	120,000
Granted (in Dollars per share)	$ 3.62	$ 3.62
Vested		0
Vested (in Dollars per share)		$ 0
Forfeited		0
Forfeited (in Dollars per share)		$ 0

Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 53,000	$ 171,000	$ 151,000	$ 262,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards					58,030,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign					12,390,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic					48,549,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Amount Recorded In Equity Upon Realization					2,949,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Limitations on Use			We have determined that changes in ownership, as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section382, occurred during 2005 and 2006. As such, the domestic net operating loss carryforwards will be subject to an annual limitation estimated to be in the range of approximately $12,000 to $14,500.The unused portion of the annual limitation can be carried forward to subsequent periods. We believe such limitation will not impact our ability to realize the deferred tax asset.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.
Three Months Ended [Member]
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax	0		0
Six Months Ended [Member]
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax	12,000		12,000
Minimum [Member]
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforward Estimated Limit	12,000		12,000
Maximum [Member]
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforward Estimated Limit	$ 14,500		$ 14,500

Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) - Effective consolidated tax rate (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012
Effective consolidated tax rate [Abstract]
Loss from continuing operations before Incomes Taxes (a)	$ (1,903)	$ (3,065)	$ (1,641)	$ (4,405)
Total Income Tax Provision (b)	$ 53	$ 171	$ 151	$ 262
Effective Tax Rate (b/a)	2.80%	5.60%	9.20%	5.90%

Note 9 - Earnings Per Share (Details) - Basic and diluted earnings per share (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012
Basic and diluted earnings per share [Abstract]
Net Loss from continuing operations attributable to Ultralife	$ (1,953)	$ (3,216)	$ (1,783)	$ (4,647)
Net Loss from continuing operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders (a)	(1,953)	(3,216)	(1,783)	(4,647)
Net Loss from continuing operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - Adjusted (b)	(1,953)	(3,216)	(1,783)	(4,647)
Net Income (Loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders (c)	(120)	49	144	(22)
Net Income (Loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - Adjusted (d)	$ (120)	$ 49	$ 144	$ (22)
Average Common Shares Outstanding – Basic (e) (in Shares)	17,459,000	17,396,000	17,458,000	17,376,000
Average Common Shares Outstanding – Diluted (f) (in Shares)	17,459,000	17,396,000	17,458,000	17,376,000
EPS – Basic (a/e) - continuing operations (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.10)	$ (0.27)
EPS – Basic (c/e) - discontinued operations (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.01)	$ 0.00	$ 0.01	$ 0.00
EPS – Diluted (b/f) - continuing operations (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.10)	$ (0.27)
EPS – Diluted (d/f) - discontinued operations (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.01)	$ 0.00	$ 0.01	$ 0.00

Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended			5 Months Ended
	May 25, 2012	Apr. 21, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Apr. 21, 2011	Jun. 01, 2011	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2005
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation							$ 461
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss								1,400
Litigation Settlement, Amount	125	2,730				2,700
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period					2,730
Contingency Settlement Interest Rate						2.625%
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value			60,000	1,100
June 8, 2011 [Member]
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Contingency Settlement Principal Payment Due						1,000
December 1, 2011 [Member]
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Contingency Settlement Principal Payment Due						567
June 1, 2012 [Member]
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Contingency Settlement Principal Payment Due						567
December 1, 2012 [Member]
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Contingency Settlement Principal Payment Due						566
Community Development Block Grant [Member]
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Received To Date Under Grant			480
Mississippi Rural Impact Fund Grant [Member]
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Received To Date Under Grant			$ 150

Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Changes in product warranty liability (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013
Changes in product warranty liability [Abstract]
Balance at	$ 607
Accruals for warranties issued	120
Settlements made	(46)
Balance at	$ 681

Note 11 - Business Segment Information (Details) - Components of segment performance (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 17,279	$ 18,706	$ 38,298	$ 46,207
Segment contribution	(1,874)	(2,932)	(1,499)	(4,221)
Interest expense, net	(31)	(113)	(119)	(216)
Miscellaneous	2	(20)	(23)	32
Income taxes-current	(23)	(188)	(61)	(267)
Income taxes-deferred	(30)	17	(90)	5
Income (Loss) from discontinued operations	(120)	49	144	(22)
Noncontrolling interest	3	20	9	20
Net loss attributable to Ultralife	(2,073)	(3,167)	(1,639)	(4,669)
Total assets	91,135	92,991	91,135	92,991	97,718
Battery & Energy Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	14,656	15,523	27,709	35,605
Segment contribution	3,490	3,763	6,590	7,706
Total assets	44,357	51,477	44,357	51,477
Communications Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,623	3,183	10,589	10,602
Segment contribution	1,032	704	4,311	3,354
Total assets	31,711	30,548	31,711	30,548
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from discontinued operations	(120)	49	144	(22)
Total assets		2,759		2,759
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment contribution	(6,396)	(7,399)	(12,400)	(15,281)
Interest expense, net	(31)	(113)	(119)	(216)
Miscellaneous	2	(20)	(23)	32
Income taxes-current	(23)	(188)	(61)	(267)
Income taxes-deferred	(30)	17	(90)	5
Noncontrolling interest	3	20	9	20
Total assets	$ 15,067	$ 8,207	$ 15,067	$ 8,207

Note 13 - Fire at Manufacturing Facility (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2012	Jul. 03, 2011	Jun. 30, 2013
Extraordinary and Unusual Items [Abstract]
Business Interruption Loss, Gross		$ 1,589
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Operating Activities	1,017		269
Insurance Settlements Receivable			165
Business Interruption, Insurance Deductible			$ 132

Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) - Unrecognized tax benefits (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Unrecognized tax benefits [Abstract]
Balance	$ 7,508	$ 7,508	$ 6,779	$ 6,779
Balance	$ 7,508	$ 7,508	$ 6,779	$ 6,779

Note 9 - Earnings Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Note 9 - Earnings Per Share (Details)	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	2,289,538	2,363,928	2,289,538	2,363,928