Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization and Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include Stanley Furniture Company, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. We are a leading design, marketing and sourcing resource in the middle-to-upscale segment of the wood furniture residential market. For financial reporting purposes, we operate in one reportable segment where substantially all revenues are from the sale of residential wood furniture products. Cash We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Short-term Investments Investments with maturities of greater than three months and less than one year at the time of purchase are considered short-term investments. Our investments were in certificates of deposits, which we held until maturity. We reported the investments at cost with earnings recognized through interest income. Accounts Receivable Substantially all of our accounts receivable are due from retailers and dealers that sell residential home furnishings, which consist of a large number of entities with a broad geographic dispersion. We continually perform credit evaluations of our customers and generally do not require collateral. Once we have determined the receivable is uncollectible, it is charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts. In the event a receivable is determined to be potentially uncollectible, we engage collection agencies to attempt to collect amounts owed to us after all internal collection attempts have ended. Revenue Recognition Sales are recognized when title and risk of loss pass to the customer, which typically occurs at the time of shipment. In some cases however, title does not pass until the shipment is delivered to the customer. Revenue includes amounts billed to customers for shipping. Provisions are made at the time revenue is recognized for estimated product returns and for incentives that may be offered to customers. Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost for all inventories is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Property, Plant and Equipment Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is computed using the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives. Depreciation expense is charged to cost of sales or selling, general and administrative expenses based on the nature of the asset. Gains and losses related to dispositions and retirements are included in income. Maintenance and repairs are charged to income as incurred; renewals and betterments are capitalized. Assets are reviewed for possible impairment when events indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Assumptions and estimates used in the evaluation of impairment may affect the carrying value of property, plant and equipment, which could result in impairment charges in future periods. Our depreciation policy reflects judgments on the estimated useful lives of assets. Capitalized Software Cost We amortize purchased computer software costs using the straight-line method over the estimated economic lives of the related products. Unamortized cost at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $2.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively, and is included in other assets. Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Policies At December 31, 2015, we owned 27 life insurance policies as a funding arrangement for our deferred compensation plan discussed in Note 6. These corporate-owned policies had a net cash surrender value of $22.3 million. We had $5.5 million in loans and accrued interest outstanding against the cash surrender value. The growth in cash surrender value of these corporate-owned policies, net of related premiums and plan administrative costs, is included in operating income. Interest on the insurance policy loans is recorded as interest expense below operating income. Actuarially valued benefit accruals and expenses We maintain three actuarially valued benefit plans. These are our deferred compensation plan, our supplemental employee retirement plan and our postretirement health care benefits program. The liability for these programs and the majority of their annual expense are developed from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates and mortality projections, which are usually updated on an annual basis near the beginning of each year. We are required to consider current market conditions, including changes in interest rates in making these assumptions. Changes in projected liability and expense may occur in the future due to changes in these assumptions. The key assumptions used in developing the projected liabilities and expenses associated with the plans are outlined in Note 6 of the consolidated financial statements. Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are determined based on the difference between the consolidated financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax expense represents the change in the deferred tax asset/liability balance. Income tax credits are reported as a reduction of income tax expense in the year in which the credits are generated. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions are recorded as income tax expense. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Accounting for fair value measurements requires disclosure of the level within the fair value hierarchy in which fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The fair value of receivables and payables approximate the carrying amount because of the short maturity of these instruments. Earnings per Common Share Basic earnings per share iscomputed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share includes any dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and restricted stock calculated using the treasury stock method. Stock-Based Compensation We record share-based payment awards at fair value on the grant date of the awards, based on the estimated number of awards that are expected to vest, over the vesting period. The fair value of stock options was determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of the restricted stock awards was based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant. For awards with performance conditions, we recognize compensation cost over the expected period to achieve the performance conditions, provided achievement of the performance conditions are deemed probable. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Changes in such estimates may affect amounts reported in future periods. Reclassifications Certain amounts in the 2014 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 presentation. These reclassifications do not have an impact tot consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, or consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”). The amendments in ASU 2014-09 affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards. This ASU will supersede the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance, and creates a Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date (“ASU 2015-14”), which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year. ASU 2014-09 is now effective for financial statements issued for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements and has not yet determined the method by which the Company will adopt the standard. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”). The amendments in ASU 2015-11 require an entity to measure in scope inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonable predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory measured using last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) or the retail inventory method. The amendments do not apply to LIFO or the retail inventory method. The amendments apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost. The amendment is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and should be applied prospectively, however early adoption is permitted. The Company does not anticipate ASU 2015-11 to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17 (ASU 2015-17), Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which requires that all deferred tax liabilities and assets of the same tax jurisdiction or a tax filing group, as well as any related valuation allowance, be offset and presented as a single noncurrent amount in a classified balance sheet. Under ASU 2015-17, an entity should not offset deferred tax liabilities and assets attributable to different tax-paying components of the entity or to different tax jurisdictions, consistent with the guidance under existing U.S. GAAP. The ASU is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of any interim or annual reporting period. Guidance may be applied either prospectively, for all deferred tax assets and liabilities, or retrospectively (i.e., by reclassifying the comparative balance sheet). We have decided to early adopt this standard and apply retrospective treatment of the standard. Because we carry a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, we feel the classification of all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent provides a more informative disclosure and better reflects our having a full allowance against our net deferred tax assets. The retrospective reclassification results in a reduction in current assets, total assets and long-term liabilities of $66,000 for the period ended December 31, 2014.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include Stanley Furniture Company, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. We are a leading design, marketing and sourcing resource in the middle-to-upscale segment of the wood furniture residential market.

For financial reporting purposes, we operate in one reportable segment where substantially all revenues are from the sale of residential wood furniture products.

Cash

We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Short-term Investments

Investments with maturities of greater than three months and less than one year at the time of purchase are considered short-term investments. Our investments were in certificates of deposits, which we held until maturity. We reported the investments at cost with earnings recognized through interest income.

Accounts Receivable

Substantially all of our accounts receivable are due from retailers and dealers that sell residential home furnishings, which consist of a large number of entities with a broad geographic dispersion. We continually perform credit evaluations of our customers and generally do not require collateral. Once we have determined the receivable is uncollectible, it is charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts. In the event a receivable is determined to be potentially uncollectible, we engage collection agencies to attempt to collect amounts owed to us after all internal collection attempts have ended.

Revenue Recognition

Sales are recognized when title and risk of loss pass to the customer, which typically occurs at the time of shipment. In some cases however, title does not pass until the shipment is delivered to the customer. Revenue includes amounts billed to customers for shipping. Provisions are made at the time revenue is recognized for estimated product returns and for incentives that may be offered to customers.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost for all inventories is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is computed using the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives. Depreciation expense is charged to cost of sales or selling, general and administrative expenses based on the nature of the asset. Gains and losses related to dispositions and retirements are included in income. Maintenance and repairs are charged to income as incurred; renewals and betterments are capitalized. Assets are reviewed for possible impairment when events indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Assumptions and estimates used in the evaluation of impairment may affect the carrying value of property, plant and equipment, which could result in impairment charges in future periods. Our depreciation policy reflects judgments on the estimated useful lives of assets.

Capitalized Software Cost

We amortize purchased computer software costs using the straight-line method over the estimated economic lives of the related products. Unamortized cost at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $2.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively, and is included in other assets.

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Policies

At December 31, 2015, we owned 27 life insurance policies as a funding arrangement for our deferred compensation plan discussed in Note 6. These corporate-owned policies had a net cash surrender value of $22.3 million. We had $5.5 million in loans and accrued interest outstanding against the cash surrender value. The growth in cash surrender value of these corporate-owned policies, net of related premiums and plan administrative costs, is included in operating income. Interest on the insurance policy loans is recorded as interest expense below operating income.

Actuarially valued benefit accruals and expenses

We maintain three actuarially valued benefit plans. These are our deferred compensation plan, our supplemental employee retirement plan and our postretirement health care benefits program. The liability for these programs and the majority of their annual expense are developed from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates and mortality projections, which are usually updated on an annual basis near the beginning of each year. We are required to consider current market conditions, including changes in interest rates in making these assumptions. Changes in projected liability and expense may occur in the future due to changes in these assumptions. The key assumptions used in developing the projected liabilities and expenses associated with the plans are outlined in Note 6 of the consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are determined based on the difference between the consolidated financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax expense represents the change in the deferred tax asset/liability balance. Income tax credits are reported as a reduction of income tax expense in the year in which the credits are generated. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions are recorded as income tax expense.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Accounting for fair value measurements requires disclosure of the level within the fair value hierarchy in which fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The fair value of receivables and payables approximate the carrying amount because of the short maturity of these instruments.

Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per share iscomputed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share includes any dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and restricted stock calculated using the treasury stock method.

Stock-Based Compensation

We record share-based payment awards at fair value on the grant date of the awards, based on the estimated number of awards that are expected to vest, over the vesting period. The fair value of stock options was determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of the restricted stock awards was based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant. For awards with performance conditions, we recognize compensation cost over the expected period to achieve the performance conditions, provided achievement of the performance conditions are deemed probable.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Changes in such estimates may affect amounts reported in future periods.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the 2014 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 presentation. These reclassifications do not have an impact tot consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, or consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ equity.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”). The amendments in ASU 2014-09 affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards. This ASU will supersede the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance, and creates a Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date (“ASU 2015-14”), which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year. ASU 2014-09 is now effective for financial statements issued for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements and has not yet determined the method by which the Company will adopt the standard.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”). The amendments in ASU 2015-11 require an entity to measure in scope inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonable predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory measured using last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) or the retail inventory method. The amendments do not apply to LIFO or the retail inventory method. The amendments apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost. The amendment is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and should be applied prospectively, however early adoption is permitted. The Company does not anticipate ASU 2015-11 to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17 (ASU 2015-17), Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which requires that all deferred tax liabilities and assets of the same tax jurisdiction or a tax filing group, as well as any related valuation allowance, be offset and presented as a single noncurrent amount in a classified balance sheet. Under ASU 2015-17, an entity should not offset deferred tax liabilities and assets attributable to different tax-paying components of the entity or to different tax jurisdictions, consistent with the guidance under existing U.S. GAAP. The ASU is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of any interim or annual reporting period. Guidance may be applied either prospectively, for all deferred tax assets and liabilities, or retrospectively (i.e., by reclassifying the comparative balance sheet). We have decided to early adopt this standard and apply retrospective treatment of the standard. Because we carry a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, we feel the classification of all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent provides a more informative disclosure and better reflects our having a full allowance against our net deferred tax assets. The retrospective reclassification results in a reduction in current assets, total assets and long-term liabilities of $66,000 for the period ended December 31, 2014.