Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $683 and $490, respectively Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Inventories Inventory, Net Due from insurance company Insurance Settlements Receivable, Current Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred tax asset - current Income taxes receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current, Total Total current assets Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other assets: Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Goodwill Goodwill Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Security Deposits and Other Assets Noncurrent Security deposits and other long-term assets It includes the amount of an asset, typically cash, provided to a counterparty to provide certain assurance of performance by the entity pursuant to the terms of a written or oral agreement, such as a lease and the aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Total other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Total Assets Assets, Total Total Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued vacation Accrued Vacation Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred Tax Liabilities, Current Deferred tax liability - current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current, Total Total current liabilities Long-term liabilities: Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Debt and capital lease obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred tax liability - long-term Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Total long-term liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 6) Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Ultralife equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share, authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, par value $0.10 per share, authorized 40,000,000 shares; issued - 18,716,921 and 18,639,683, respectively Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total Ultralife equity Stockholders' Equity before Treasury Stock Total equity Treasury Stock, Value Less -Treasury stock, at cost - 1,372,757 and 1,371,900 shares outstanding, respectively Treasury securities, common shares Treasury Stock, Shares Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Total Total Ultralife equity Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Ending balance Beginning balance Total shareholders' equity Total shareholders' equity Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity, Total Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Revenues Revenue, Net Cost of products sold Cost of Goods and Services Sold Gross profit Gross Profit Gross profit Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Research and development (including $313, $409 and $448 of amortization of intangible assets, respectively) Research and Development Expense Selling, general, and administrative (including $314, $408 and $496 of amortization of intangible assets, respectively) Selling, General and Administrative Expense Total operating expenses Operating Expenses, Total Total operating expenses Operating income (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Operating income (loss) Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest income Interest Income, Deposits with Financial Institutions Interest expense Interest Expense Interest expense Miscellaneous Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax provision (benefit)-current Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax provision-deferred Total income taxes provision (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Total income taxes provision (benefit) Net income (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) from continuing operations Discontinued operations: Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Net income (loss) attributable to Ultralife Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income (loss) attributable to Ultralife Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net income (loss) attributable to Ultralife common shareholders-basic Continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Total Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total Total Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Net income (loss) attributable to Ultralife common shareholders-diluted Continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Total Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Total Total Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average shares outstanding-basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Common Stock Balance Ending balance, shares Beginning balance, shares Capital in excess of Par Value Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Other Unrealized Net Gain (Loss) Accumulated Deficit Treasury Stock Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Net loss Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrealized loss on interest rate swap arrangements Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive loss: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss Investment in India JV by noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Short Swing Profit Recovery Short-swing profit recovery Short-swing profit recovery Stock-based compensation related to stock options Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Requisite Service Period Recognition Shares issued (cancelled) and compensation under restricted stock grants, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Shares issued (cancelled) and compensation under restricted stock grants Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units, Requisite Service Period Recognition Shares purchased in connection with stock repurchase program Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Shares issued in connection with acquisitions, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions Shares issued in connection with acquisitions Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Stock Issued During Period Shares Directors Shares issued to directors, shares Shares issued to directors, shares Stock Issued During Period Value Directors Shares issued to directors Shares issued to directors Stock Issued During Period Shares Stock Options and Warrant Exercised Shares issued under stock option and warrant exercises, shares Shares issued under stock option and warrant exercises, shares Stock Issued During Period Value Stock Options and Warrant Exercised Shares issued under stock option and warrant exercises Shares issued under stock option and warrant exercises Shares issued under stock option exercises, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Shares issued under stock option exercises Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization of financing fees Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets (Gain) loss on long-lived asset disposal and write-offs Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets (Gain) loss on long-lived asset disposal and write-offs Foreign exchange (gain) loss Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized Foreign exchange (gain) loss Gain on litigation settlement Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Gain on litigation settlement Non-cash stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Changes in deferred income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes Changes in deferred income taxes Provision for Loss on Accounts Receivable Provision for loss on accounts receivable Provision for loss on accounts receivable Provision for loss on accounts receivable Provision for Inventory Obsolescence Provision for inventory obsolescence Provision for inventory obsolescence Provision for inventory obsolescence Provision for Warranty Charges Provision for warranty charges Provision for warranty charges Provision for warranty charges Provision for Workers Compensation Obligation Provision for workers' compensation obligation Provision for workers' compensation obligation Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Income taxes receivable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable Income taxes receivable Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Insurance receivable relating to fires Increase (Decrease) in Insurance Settlements Receivable Insurance receivable relating to fires Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Accounts payable and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Other Operating Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations Net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchase of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchase of property and equipment Proceeds from asset disposal Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Change in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Change in restricted cash Payment for acquired companies, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Payment for acquired companies, net of cash acquired Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities from discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net Change in Revolving Credit Facilities Net change in revolving credit facilities The cash inflow from a contractual arrangement with the lender, including letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a specific amount at any point in time with either short term or long term maturity that is collateralized (backed by pledge, mortgage or other lien in the entity's assets).and the cash outflow to pay off an obligation from a contractual arrangement with the lender, including letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a specific amount at any point in time with either short term or long term maturity. Proceeds from issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Proceeds from issuance of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Principal payments on debt and capital lease obligations Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Principal payments on debt and capital lease obligations Purchase of treasury stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Purchase of treasury stock Proceeds Short Swing Profit Recovery Financing Activities Short-swing profit recovery Short-swing profit recovery Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations Net cash used in financing activities from discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest Interest Paid Cash paid for income taxes Income Taxes Paid Noncash investing and financing activities: Other Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Issuance of common stock for acquired companies Stock Issued Purchase of property and equipment via capital lease payable Notes Assumed Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract] Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract] Business Combination Disclosure and Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions and Dispositions & Exit Activities Acquisitions and Dispositions & Exit Activities Acquisitions and Dispositions & Exit Activities [Abstract] Acquisitions and Dispositions & Exit Activities [Abstract] Acquisitions and Dispositions & Exit Activities Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures [Text Block] Operating Leases Operating Leases of Lessor Disclosure [Text Block] Operating Leases [Abstract] Operating Leases [Abstract] Debt and Capital Leases Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block] Debt and Capital Leases [Abstract] Debt and Capital Leases [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Shareholders' Equity [Abstract] Shareholders' Equity [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Taxes [Abstract] 401(k) Retirement Benefit Plan Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] 401(k) Retirement Benefit Plan [Abstract] 401(k) Retirement Benefit Plan [Abstract] Business Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Business Segment Information [Abstract] Business Segment Information [Abstract] Fire at Manufacturing Facility [Text Block] Fire at Manufacturing Facility Fire at Manufacturing Facility Fire at Manufacturing Facility [Abstract] Fire at Manufacturing Facility [Abstract] Fire at Manufacturing Facility Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Selected Quarterly Information (unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Selected Quarterly Information (Unaudited) [Abstract] Selected Quarterly Information (Unaudited) [Abstract]