Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 17,160	$ 16,489
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts o f$284 and $288, respectively	10,095	14,238
Inventories, net	27,079	26,053
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,043	1,357
Due from insurance company	427	430
Deferred income taxes	86	91
Total current assets	55,890	58,658
Property, equipment and improvements, net	9,916	10,202
Goodwill	16,403	16,419
Other intangible assets, net	4,490	4,646
Security deposits and other non-current assets	232	269
Total assets	86,931	90,194
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	7,115	7,053
Accrued compensation and related benefits	1,838	1,908
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	1,865	3,111
Accrued income taxes	35	94
Deferred income taxes	9	9
Total current liabilities	10,862	12,175
Deferred income taxes	4,352	4,242
Other non-current liabilities	98	132
Total liabilities	15,312	16,549
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock - par value $.10 per share; authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued	0	0
Common stock - par value $.10 per share; authorized 40,000,000 shares; issued - 18,910,206 shares at March 30, 2014 and 18,851,579 shares at December 31, 2013	1,892	1,888
Capital in excess of par value	175,462	174,932
Accumulated deficit	(97,450)	(94,804)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(479)	(614)
Treasury stock - at cost; 1,383,977 shares at March 30, 2014 and 1,372,757 shares	(7,697)	(7,658)
Total Ultralife equity	71,728	73,744
Noncontrolling interest	(109)	(99)
Total shareholders' equity	71,619	73,645
Total liabiltiies and shareholders' equity	$ 86,931	$ 90,194