NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Nature Of Operations [Policy Text Block]

Nature of Business: Universal Security Instruments, Inc.’s (“the Company”) primary business is the sale of smoke alarms and other safety products to retailers, wholesale distributors and to the electrical distribution trade which includes electrical and lighting distributors as well as manufactured housing companies. The Company imports all of its safety and other products from foreign manufacturers. The Company, as an importer, is subject to numerous tariffs which vary depending on types of products and country of origin, changes in economic and political conditions in the country of manufacture, potential trade restrictions and currency fluctuations.

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. We believe that our 50% ownership interest in the Hong Kong Joint Venture allows us to significantly influence the operations of the Hong Kong Joint Venture. As such, we account for our interest in the Hong Kong Joint Venture using the equity method of accounting. We have included our investment balance as a non-current asset and have included our share of the Hong Kong Joint Venture’s income in our consolidated statement of operations. The investment and earnings are adjusted to eliminate intercompany profits.

Comparability of Prior Year Financial Data, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements

Certain amounts appearing in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2013 have been revised to correct for an immaterial error and to conform to the current year’s presentation. The Company had not previously recorded its proportionate share of the Hong Kong Joint Ventures other comprehensive income amounts. These consisted of the impact of foreign currency exchange rates on the translation of certain subsidiaries of the Hong Kong Joint Venture and changes in the fair value of investments held by the Hong Kong Joint Venture that are classified as available for sale. As a result, the Company adjusted the opening balance sheet of the earliest year presented, increasing its investment in the Hong Kong Joint Venture and accumulated other comprehensive income by $1,083,603 as of April 1, 2012. The adjustments also increased its previously reported investment in the Hong Kong Joint Venture and accumulated other comprehensive income as of March 31, 2013 by $1,376,410. Since these two components represented the only components of other comprehensive income, the Company had not previously presented a Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The Company has, in the accompanying Financial Statements, presented a separate condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive loss for the twelve months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

The Company assessed the materiality of the error in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) Staff Accounting Bulletin Nos. 99 and 108 (SAB 99 and 108), and based on an analysis of quantitative and qualitative factors, determined that the error was immaterial to each of the prior reporting periods affected and, therefore, amendment of reports previously filed with the SEC was not required.

Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table presents the changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by component for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014:

	Currency Translation		Investment Securities		Total
Balance – March 31, 2013	$	1,172,486	$	203,924	$	1,376,410
Other comprehensive loss	$	(44,678)	$	(141,605)	$	(186,283)
Balance – March 31, 2014	$	1,127,808	$	62,319	$	1,190,127

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates: In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP), management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents:   Cash includes demand deposits with banks or other financial institutions. Included within cash and cash equivalents are demand deposits with the Company’s factor at March 31, 2014 and 2013 totaling approximately $1,900,000 and $2,100,000, respectively.  Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. At times, the Company maintains cash and investment balances in financial institutions, which may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses relating to such accounts and believes it is not exposed to a significant credit risk on its cash and cash equivalents and investments. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their fair value based on their short-term maturities at March 31, 2014 and 2013.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition: The Company recognizes sales upon shipment of products, when title has passed to the buyer, net of applicable provisions for any discounts or allowances. We recognize revenue when the following criterion are met: evidence of an arrangement exists, fixed and determinable fee, delivery has taken place, and collectability is reasonably assured. Customers may not return, exchange or refuse acceptance of goods without our approval. We have established allowances to cover anticipated doubtful accounts based upon historical experience.

Warranties [Policy Text Block]

Warranties: We generally provide warranties, on the safety products, from one to ten years to the non-commercial end user on all products sold. The manufacturers of our safety products provide us with a one-year warranty on all products we purchase for resale. Claims for warranty replacement of products beyond the one-year warranty period covered by the manufacturers have not been historically material .

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Stock-Based Compensation: In October 2011, the stockholders approved the Company’s 2011 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”). Under the terms of the Plan, 120,000 shares are reserved for the granting of stock options, of which 97,000 were issued. Under the provisions of the Plan, a committee of the Board of Directors determines the option price and dates exercisable. During December 2011, ninety-seven thousand (97,000) options were granted at an option price of $5.51 per share. These options expired on December 14, 2013, with no forfeiture or exercise activity.

We account for share-based payments using the fair value method. We recognize all share-based payments to employees and non-employee directors in our financial statements based on their grant date fair values, calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Compensation expense related to share-based awards is recognized on a straight-line basis based on the value of share awards that are expected to vest during the requisite service period on the grant date, which is revised if actual forfeitures differ materially from original expectations.

The expected term of stock options granted was based on the Company’s historical option exercise experience and post-vesting forfeiture experience using the historical expected term from the vesting date. The expected volatility of the options granted was determined using historical volatilities based on stock prices over a look-back period corresponding to the expected term. The risk-free interest rate was determined using the yield available for zero-coupon U.S. government issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the options. The forfeiture rate was determined using historical pre-vesting forfeiture rates since the inception of the plans. The company has never paid a dividend; and, as such, the dividend yield is zero.

Repurchase and Resale Agreements Policy [Policy Text Block]

Stock Repurchase Program: In October 2011, the Company announced a stock buyback program under which the Board authorized the purchase of up to 100,000 shares of common stock. The program terminated in February 2013 when the purchase of 100,000 shares of common stock was completed by the Company pursuant to the program.

The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases by the Company of its common stock during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013:

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased As Part of Publicly Announced Plans Or Programs		Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
April 2012		11,605	$	5.37		63,138		36,862
July 2012		11,990	$	4.90		75,128		24,872
December 2012		12,000	$	4.20		87,128		12,872
February 2013		12,872	$	4.23		100,000		0
Total		48,467	$	4.66		100,000		0

Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Research and Development: Research and development costs are charged to operations as incurred.

Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accounts Receivable: The Company nets the factored accounts receivable with the corresponding advance from the Factor, with the net amount reflected in the consolidated balance sheet.

The Company assigns trade receivables on a pre-approved non-recourse basis to the Factor under the Factoring Agreement on an ongoing basis. Factoring charges recognized on assignment of receivables are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and amounted to $70,666 and $78,467 for the years ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Agreement for the assignment of accounts receivable provides for continuation of the program on a revolving basis until terminated by one of the parties to the Agreement.

Financing Receivables. In September 2010, the FASB issued, and the Company adopted, an Accounting Standards Update requiring enhanced disclosure of the credit quality of financing receivables, as defined therein, and the adequacy of allowances for credit losses. Management considers amounts due from the Company’s factor to be “financing receivables”. Trade accounts receivable, other receivables, and receivables from our Hong Kong Joint Venture are not considered to be financing receivables.

The Company assigns the majority of its short-term receivables arising in the ordinary course of business to our factor. At the time a receivable is assigned to our factor the credit risk associated with the credit worthiness of the debtor is assumed by the factor. The Company continues to bear any credit risk associated with delivery or warranty issues related to the products sold.

Management assesses the credit risk of both its trade accounts receivable and its financing receivables based on the specific identification of accounts that have exceeded credit terms. An allowance for uncollectible receivables is provided based on that assessment. Changes in the allowance account from one accounting period to the next are charged to operations in the period the change is determined. Amounts ultimately determined to be uncollectible are eliminated from the receivable accounts and from the allowance account in the period that the receivables’ status is determined to be uncollectible.

Based on the nature of the factoring agreement and prior experience, no allowance for uncollectible financing receivables has been provided. At March 31, 2014 and 2013, an allowance of $57,000 has been provided for uncollectible trade accounts receivable.

Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs: The Company includes shipping and handling fees billed to customers in net sales. Shipping and handling costs associated with inbound freight are included in cost of goods sold. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight are included in selling, general and administrative expenses and totaled $182,668 and $309,533 in fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first in/first out method) or market. Included as a component of finished goods inventory are additional non-material costs. These costs include overhead costs, freight, import duty and inspection fees of $381,891 and $509,808 at March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We evaluate inventories on a quarterly basis and write down inventory that is considered obsolete or unmarketable in an amount equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes: The Company recognizes a liability or asset for the deferred tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets or liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. These temporary differences may result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years when the reported amounts of the assets or liabilities are recovered or settled. The deferred tax assets are reviewed periodically for recoverability and a valuation allowance is provided whenever it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company established an initial valuation allowance of $300,000 on its deferred tax assets during the year ended March 31, 2013 to recognize that certain foreign tax credits expiring in future periods will likely not be realized. Upon further review of updated projected taxable income and the components of the deferred tax asset in accordance with applicable accounting guidance at September 30, 2013, it was determined that it is more likely than not that the tax benefits associated with the remaining components of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. This determination was made based on continued taxable losses during fiscal 2014, which were not in line with projections, as well as product offering delays which cause uncertainty as to whether the Company will generate sufficient taxable income to use the deferred tax assets prior to expiration. Accordingly, a valuation allowance was established to fully offset the value of the deferred tax assets. Our ability to realize the tax benefits associated with the deferred tax assets depends primarily upon the timing of future taxable income and the expiration dates of the components of the deferred tax assets. If sufficient future taxable income is generated, we may be able to offset a portion of future tax expenses.

The Company follows ASC 740-10 that gives guidance to tax positions related to the recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and requires that we recognize in our financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not to be sustained upon an examination, based on the technical merits of the position.  Interest and penalties related to income tax matters are recorded as income tax expenses. The Company has recorded a long-term liability of $25,000 for an uncertain income tax position, tax penalties and any imputed interest thereon. See Note F, Income Taxes.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Impairment of long-lived assets: Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. The factors considered in performing this assessment include current operating results, anticipated future results, the manner in which the asset is used and the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors. Accordingly, when indicators of impairment are present, the Company evaluates the carrying value of these assets in relation to the operating performance of the business and future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of these assets. Impairment losses are recognized when the sum of expected future cash flows is less than the assets’ carrying value, and losses are determined based upon the excess carrying value of the assets over its fair value. Based on this assessment, no impairment to long-lived assets resulted for fiscal years ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]

Foreign currency: The activity and accounts of the Hong Kong Joint Venture are denominated in Hong Kong dollars and are translated to US dollars in consolidation. The Company translates the accounts of the Hong Kong Joint Venture at the applicable exchange rate in effect at the year-end date for balance sheet purposes and at the average exchange rate for the reporting period for statement of operation purposes. Transaction gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in foreign currencies are included in the results of operations. The Company currently does not maintain cash in foreign banks to support its operations in Hong Kong.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Net Loss per Share: Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share is computed by dividing net loss for the period by the weighted number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding (unless their effect is anti-dilutive) for the period. All common share equivalents are comprised of stock options. Diluted loss per common share for the years ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 exclude the effect of all stock options, which totaled 0 and 122,000 at March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as their effect is anti-dilutive. As a result, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is identical for the years ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 for both basic and diluted shares.

	March 31,
	2014		2013
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for basic loss per share		2,290,010		2,311,152
Shares issued upon assumed exercise of outstanding stock options		-		-
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding for diluted loss per share		2,290,010		2,311,152

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements: Changes to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US. GAAP) are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in the form of accounting standards updated (ASU’s) to the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification.

The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASU’s. Recently issued ASU’s were evaluated and determined to be either not applicable or are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.