Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
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. Restricted Cash Restricted cash includes collateral deposits required under the Company’s line of credit agreement, to guarantee the Company’s workers compensation insurance policy. The restricted cash balance is expected to mature over the next twelve months. 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. Amounts collected in advance of shipment are reflected as deferred revenue on the consolidated balance sheet and then recognized as revenue as the risk of loss passes to the customer. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Cost is determined based solely on those charges incurred in the acquisition and production of the related inventory (i.e. material, freight, labor and overhead). Management regularly examines inventory to determine if there are indicators that the carrying value exceeds its net realizable value. Experience has shown that the most significant indicators of the need for inventory markdowns are the age of the inventory and the planned discontinuance of certain items. As a result, we provide inventory valuation write-downs based upon established percentages based on age of the inventory and planned discontinuance of certain items. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had approximately $23.0 million and $20.9 million of finished goods, net of a valuation allowance of $1.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively. 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, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $2.4 million and $2.7 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 7. 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. In the first quarter of 2016, we liquidated the corporate-owned life insurance policies with cash surrender value of $28.1 million. We received $22.4 million in proceeds, net of outstanding loans and accrued interest. 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 7 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 is computed 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 As of December 31, 2015, the Company reclassified approximately $442,000 of amounts collected in advance of shipment from accounts payable to deferred revenue. As both accounts payable and deferred revenue are presented as current liabilities, management does not believe there to be a material impact on the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. New Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). The amendments in ASU 2016-13 require the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. In addition, ASU 2016-13 amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The amendment is effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, however early application is permitted for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company does not anticipate ASU 2016-13 to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued its final lease accounting standard, FASB Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC"), Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”), which requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). The lease liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments and the right-of -use asset will be based on the lease liability, subject to adjustment such as for initial direct costs. For income statement purposes, the new standard retains a dual model similar to ASC 840, requiring lases to be classified as either operating or finance. For lessees, operating leases will result in straight-line expense (similar to current accounting by lessees for operating leases under ASC 840) while finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern (similar to current accounting by lessees for capital leases under ASC 840). Our leases as of December 31, 2016, principally relate to real estate leases for corporate office, showrooms and warehousing. The new standard will be effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending December 31, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-02 by reviewing all long-term leases and determining the potential impact it will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The standard is to be applied under the modified retrospective method, with elective reliefs, which requires application of the new guidance for all periods presented. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). The amendments in ASU 2016-09 simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions. The new guidance requires that excess tax benefits (which represent the excess of actual tax benefits receive at the date of vesting or settlement over the benefits recognized over the vesting period or upon issuance of share-based payments) be recorded in the income statement as a reduction of income or income taxes when the awards vest or are settled. The new guidance also requires excess tax benefits to be classified as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows rather than as a financing activity. The new standard will be effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. The adoption of this new standard will reduce our reported income taxes and will increase cash flows from operating activities; however, the amounts of that reduction/increase is dependent upon the underlying vesting or exercise activity and related future stock prices. In August 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230). The guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. This standard will be effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending December 31, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, provided all amendments are adopted in the same period. In November 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. We have reviewed the standard and determined that our statement of cash flows will include changes in restricted cash with related disclosures. The guidance requires application using a retrospective transition method. We do not anticipate ASU 2016-15 or ASU 2016-18 to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements. 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 May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This standard is intended to improve, and converge with international standards, the financial reporting requirements for revenue from contracts with customers. The new standard will be effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending December 31, 2018. Early adoption is permitted but we do not expect to early adopt this new accounting pronouncement. In preparation for this new standard, we are identifying all forms of agreements with our customers and will begin to evaluate the provisions in such agreements in light of the five-step model specified by the new guidance. The five-step model includes: 1) determination of whether a contract – an agreement between two or more parties that creates legally enforceable rights and obligations exists; 2) identification of the performance obligations in the contract; 3) determination of the transaction price; 4) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and 5) recognition of revenue when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied. We are also evaluating the impact of the new standard on certain common practices currently employed by us and others in our industry, such as co-operative advertising, pricing allowances and consumer coupons. We are in the initial phases and have not yet determined the impact of the new standard on our financial statements or whether we will adopt on a full or modified retrospective basis in the first quarter of our fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.

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.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash includes collateral deposits required under the Company’s line of credit agreement, to guarantee the Company’s workers compensation insurance policy. The restricted cash balance is expected to mature over the next twelve months.

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. Amounts collected in advance of shipment are reflected as deferred revenue on the consolidated balance sheet and then recognized as revenue as the risk of loss passes to the customer.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Cost is determined based solely on those charges incurred in the acquisition and production of the related inventory (i.e. material, freight, labor and overhead). Management regularly examines inventory to determine if there are indicators that the carrying value exceeds its net realizable value. Experience has shown that the most significant indicators of the need for inventory markdowns are the age of the inventory and the planned discontinuance of certain items. As a result, we provide inventory valuation write-downs based upon established percentages based on age of the inventory and planned discontinuance of certain items. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had approximately $23.0 million and $20.9 million of finished goods, net of a valuation allowance of $1.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

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, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $2.4 million and $2.7 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 7. 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. In the first quarter of 2016, we liquidated the corporate-owned life insurance policies with cash surrender value of $28.1 million. We received $22.4 million in proceeds, net of outstanding loans and accrued interest.

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 7 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 is computed 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

As of December 31, 2015, the Company reclassified approximately $442,000 of amounts collected in advance of shipment from accounts payable to deferred revenue. As both accounts payable and deferred revenue are presented as current liabilities, management does not believe there to be a material impact on the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). The amendments in ASU 2016-13 require the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. In addition, ASU 2016-13 amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The amendment is effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, however early application is permitted for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company does not anticipate ASU 2016-13 to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued its final lease accounting standard, FASB Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC"), Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”), which requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). The lease liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments and the right-of -use asset will be based on the lease liability, subject to adjustment such as for initial direct costs. For income statement purposes, the new standard retains a dual model similar to ASC 840, requiring lases to be classified as either operating or finance. For lessees, operating leases will result in straight-line expense (similar to current accounting by lessees for operating leases under ASC 840) while finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern (similar to current accounting by lessees for capital leases under ASC 840). Our leases as of December 31, 2016, principally relate to real estate leases for corporate office, showrooms and warehousing. The new standard will be effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending December 31, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-02 by reviewing all long-term leases and determining the potential impact it will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The standard is to be applied under the modified retrospective method, with elective reliefs, which requires application of the new guidance for all periods presented.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). The amendments in ASU 2016-09 simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions. The new guidance requires that excess tax benefits (which represent the excess of actual tax benefits receive at the date of vesting or settlement over the benefits recognized over the vesting period or upon issuance of share-based payments) be recorded in the income statement as a reduction of income or income taxes when the awards vest or are settled. The new guidance also requires excess tax benefits to be classified as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows rather than as a financing activity. The new standard will be effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. The adoption of this new standard will reduce our reported income taxes and will increase cash flows from operating activities; however, the amounts of that reduction/increase is dependent upon the underlying vesting or exercise activity and related future stock prices.

In August 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230). The guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. This standard will be effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending December 31, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, provided all amendments are adopted in the same period. In November 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. We have reviewed the standard and determined that our statement of cash flows will include changes in restricted cash with related disclosures. The guidance requires application using a retrospective transition method. We do not anticipate ASU 2016-15 or ASU 2016-18 to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

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 May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This standard is intended to improve, and converge with international standards, the financial reporting requirements for revenue from contracts with customers. The new standard will be effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending December 31, 2018. Early adoption is permitted but we do not expect to early adopt this new accounting pronouncement. In preparation for this new standard, we are identifying all forms of agreements with our customers and will begin to evaluate the provisions in such agreements in light of the five-step model specified by the new guidance. The five-step model includes: 1) determination of whether a contract – an agreement between two or more parties that creates legally enforceable rights and obligations exists; 2) identification of the performance obligations in the contract; 3) determination of the transaction price; 4) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and 5) recognition of revenue when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied. We are also evaluating the impact of the new standard on certain common practices currently employed by us and others in our industry, such as co-operative advertising, pricing allowances and consumer coupons. We are in the initial phases and have not yet determined the impact of the new standard on our financial statements or whether we will adopt on a full or modified retrospective basis in the first quarter of our fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.