1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Description of Business RELM Wireless Corporation and its subsidiary’s (collectively, the “Company”) primary business is the designing, manufacturing, and marketing of wireless communications equipment consisting primarily of two-way land mobile radios and related products which are sold in two primary markets: (1) the government and public safety market and (2) business and industrial market. The Company has only one reportable business segment. Principles of Consolidation The accounts of the Company have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined by the average cost method) or market. Freight costs are classified as a component of cost of products in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. When properties are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations for the period. Depreciation is generally computed on the straight-line method using lives of 3 to 10 years on machinery and equipment and 5 to 10 years on buildings and building improvements. Capitalized Software Costs Capitalized software development costs are those incurred during the programming, codification and testing phase. Costs incurred during the design and planning, product definition and product specification state are accounted for as expenses. The amortization of capitalized software costs during a reporting period is the greater of the amount computed using (a) the ratio that current gross revenues for a product bear to the total of current and anticipated future gross revenues for that product and (b) the straight-line method over the remaining estimated economic life of the software or the product they are incorporated within. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Management regularly reviews long-lived assets and intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets which considers the discounted future net cash flows. No long-lived assets were considered impaired at December 31, 2012. Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts based on specifically identified amounts that the Company believes to be uncollectible. The Company also records additional allowance based on certain percentages of the Company’s aged receivables, which are determined based on historical experience and the Company’s assessment of the general financial conditions affecting the Company’s customer base. If the Company’s actual collections experience changes, revisions to the Company’s allowance may be required. After all attempts to collect a receivable have failed, the receivable is written off against the allowance. Based on the information available, management believes the allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2012 is adequate. Revenue Recognition Sales revenue is recognized when the earnings process is complete and collection is reasonably assured. The earnings process is generally complete when the product is shipped or received by the customer, depending upon whether the title to the goods, as well as the risks and benefits of ownership are transferred to the customer at point of shipment or point of delivery. However, sales to the federal government are recognized when the products are delivered. For extended warranties, sales revenue associated with the warranty is deferred at the time of sale and later recognized on a straight-line basis over the extended warranty period. The Company periodically reviews its revenue recognition procedures to assure that such procedures are in accordance with ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition.” Surcharges collected on certain sales to government customers and remitted to governmental agencies are not included in revenues or in costs and expenses. Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method specified by ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes”, as modified by ASC Topic 740-10-05. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply in the period in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized. The effect of changes in net deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the change is recognized. Valuation allowances are provided to the extent that impairment of tax assets are more likely than not. In determining whether a tax asset is realizable, the Company considers among other things, estimates of future earnings based on information currently available, current and anticipated customers, contracts and new product introductions, as well as recent operating results during 2012, 2011 and 2010 and certain tax planning strategies. If the Company fails to achieve the future results anticipated in the calculation and valuation of net deferred tax assets, the Company may be required to adjust the valuation allowance related to its deferred tax assets in the future. Concentration of Credit Risk The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral. At December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, accounts receivable from governmental customers were approximately $351, $1,626 and $3,829, respectively. Generally, receivables are due within 30 days. Credit losses relating to customers consistently have been within management’s expectations. The Company primarily maintains cash balances at one financial institution. Accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250. From time to time, the Company has had cash in financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had cash and cash equivalents in excess of FDIC limits of approximately $6,081. Manufacturing and Raw Materials The Company relies upon a limited number of manufacturers to produce its products and on a limited number of component suppliers. Some of these manufacturers and suppliers are in other countries. Approximately 77% of the Company’s material, subassembly and product procurements in 2012 were sourced internationally, of which approximately 68.4% were sourced from one supplier. For 2011, approximately 57% of the Company’s material, subassembly and product procurements were sourced internationally, of which approximately 46.3% were sourced from one supplier. For 2010, the Company’s internationally sourced material, subassembly and product procurements totaled approximately 65.5%, of which approximately 55.1% were sourced from one supplier. Purchase orders denominated in U.S. dollars are placed with these suppliers from time to time and there are no guaranteed supply arrangements or commitments. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates include accounts receivable allowances, inventory obsolescence reserves, warranty reserves, capitalized software costs and income tax accruals. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company’s management believes that carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other accrued liabilities approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs are classified as a part of cost of revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Amounts billed to a customer, if any, for shipping and handling are reported as a revenue. Advertising and Promotion Costs The cost for advertising and promotion is expensed as incurred. Advertising and promotion expense are classified as part of selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, such expenses totaled $254, $348, and $328, respectively. Research and Development Costs Included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 are research and development costs of $3,667, $4,397, and $4,859, respectively. Share-Based Compensation In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASC Topic 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.” This Topic requires a public entity to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions). That cost will be recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award requisite service period (usually the vesting period). No compensation cost is recognized for equity instruments for which employees do not render the requisite service. Employee share purchase plans will not result in recognition of compensation cost if certain conditions are met; those conditions are much the same as the related conditions in ASC Topic 718. Earnings Per Share Earnings per share amounts are computed and presented for all periods in accordance with ASC Topic 260-10-05, “Earnings per Share.” Comprehensive Income Pursuant to ASC Topic 220-10-05, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”, the Company is required to report comprehensive income (loss) and its components in its consolidated financial statements. The Company does not have any significant components of other comprehensive income (loss) to be reported under ASC Topic 220-10-05. Total comprehensive income (loss) is equal to net income (loss) reported for all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements. Product Warranty The Company offers two-year warranties to its customers depending on the specific product and terms of the customer purchase agreement. The Company’s typical warranties require it to repair and replace defective products during the warranty period at no cost to the customer. At the time the product revenue is recognized, the Company records a liability for estimated costs under its warranties. The costs are estimated based on historical experience. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded liability for product warranties and adjusts the amount as necessary. Recent Accounting Pronouncements There have been no recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting pronouncements that impacted the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, or which are expected to impact future periods, which were not previously disclosed in prior periods. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

RELM Wireless Corporation and its subsidiary’s (collectively, the “Company”) primary business is the designing, manufacturing, and marketing of wireless communications equipment consisting primarily of two-way land mobile radios and related products which are sold in two primary markets: (1) the government and public safety market and (2) business and industrial market. The Company has only one reportable business segment.

Principles of Consolidation

The accounts of the Company have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined by the average cost method) or market. Freight costs are classified as a component of cost of products in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. When properties are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations for the period.

Depreciation is generally computed on the straight-line method using lives of 3 to 10 years on machinery and equipment and 5 to 10 years on buildings and building improvements.

Capitalized Software Costs

Capitalized software development costs are those incurred during the programming, codification and testing phase. Costs incurred during the design and planning, product definition and product specification state are accounted for as expenses.

The amortization of capitalized software costs during a reporting period is the greater of the amount computed using (a) the ratio that current gross revenues for a product bear to the total of current and anticipated future gross revenues for that product and (b) the straight-line method over the remaining estimated economic life of the software or the product they are incorporated within.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Management regularly reviews long-lived assets and intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets which considers the discounted future net cash flows. No long-lived assets were considered impaired at December 31, 2012.

Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts based on specifically identified amounts that the Company believes to be uncollectible. The Company also records additional allowance based on certain percentages of the Company’s aged receivables, which are determined based on historical experience and the Company’s assessment of the general financial conditions affecting the Company’s customer base. If the Company’s actual collections experience changes, revisions to the Company’s allowance may be required. After all attempts to collect a receivable have failed, the receivable is written off against the allowance. Based on the information available, management believes the allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2012 is adequate.

Revenue Recognition

Sales revenue is recognized when the earnings process is complete and collection is reasonably assured. The earnings process is generally complete when the product is shipped or received by the customer, depending upon whether the title to the goods, as well as the risks and benefits of ownership are transferred to the customer at point of shipment or point of delivery. However, sales to the federal government are recognized when the products are delivered. For extended warranties, sales revenue associated with the warranty is deferred at the time of sale and later recognized on a straight-line basis over the extended warranty period.

The Company periodically reviews its revenue recognition procedures to assure that such procedures are in accordance with ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition.” Surcharges collected on certain sales to government customers and remitted to governmental agencies are not included in revenues or in costs and expenses.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method specified by ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes”, as modified by ASC Topic 740-10-05. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply in the period in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized. The effect of changes in net deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the change is recognized. Valuation allowances are provided to the extent that impairment of tax assets are more likely than not. In determining whether a tax asset is realizable, the Company considers among other things, estimates of future earnings based on information currently available, current and anticipated customers, contracts and new product introductions, as well as recent operating results during 2012, 2011 and 2010 and certain tax planning strategies. If the Company fails to achieve the future results anticipated in the calculation and valuation of net deferred tax assets, the Company may be required to adjust the valuation allowance related to its deferred tax assets in the future.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral. At December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, accounts receivable from governmental customers were approximately $351, $1,626 and $3,829, respectively. Generally, receivables are due within 30 days. Credit losses relating to customers consistently have been within management’s expectations.

The Company primarily maintains cash balances at one financial institution. Accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250. From time to time, the Company has had cash in financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had cash and cash equivalents in excess of FDIC limits of approximately $6,081.

Manufacturing and Raw Materials

The Company relies upon a limited number of manufacturers to produce its products and on a limited number of component suppliers. Some of these manufacturers and suppliers are in other countries. Approximately 77% of the Company’s material, subassembly and product procurements in 2012 were sourced internationally, of which approximately 68.4% were sourced from one supplier. For 2011, approximately 57% of the Company’s material, subassembly and product procurements were sourced internationally, of which approximately 46.3% were sourced from one supplier. For 2010, the Company’s internationally sourced material, subassembly and product procurements totaled approximately 65.5%, of which approximately 55.1% were sourced from one supplier. Purchase orders denominated in U.S. dollars are placed with these suppliers from time to time and there are no guaranteed supply arrangements or commitments.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates include accounts receivable allowances, inventory obsolescence reserves, warranty reserves, capitalized software costs and income tax accruals. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company’s management believes that carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other accrued liabilities approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are classified as a part of cost of revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Amounts billed to a customer, if any, for shipping and handling are reported as a revenue.

Advertising and Promotion Costs

The cost for advertising and promotion is expensed as incurred. Advertising and promotion expense are classified as part of selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, such expenses totaled $254, $348, and $328, respectively.

Research and Development Costs

Included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 are research and development costs of $3,667, $4,397, and $4,859, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASC Topic 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.” This Topic requires a public entity to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions). That cost will be recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award requisite service period (usually the vesting period). No compensation cost is recognized for equity instruments for which employees do not render the requisite service. Employee share purchase plans will not result in recognition of compensation cost if certain conditions are met; those conditions are much the same as the related conditions in ASC Topic 718.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share amounts are computed and presented for all periods in accordance with ASC Topic 260-10-05, “Earnings per Share.”

Comprehensive Income

Pursuant to ASC Topic 220-10-05, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”, the Company is required to report comprehensive income (loss) and its components in its consolidated financial statements. The Company does not have any significant components of other comprehensive income (loss) to be reported under ASC Topic 220-10-05. Total comprehensive income (loss) is equal to net income (loss) reported for all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements.

Product Warranty

The Company offers two-year warranties to its customers depending on the specific product and terms of the customer purchase agreement. The Company’s typical warranties require it to repair and replace defective products during the warranty period at no cost to the customer. At the time the product revenue is recognized, the Company records a liability for estimated costs under its warranties. The costs are estimated based on historical experience. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded liability for product warranties and adjusts the amount as necessary.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

There have been no recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting pronouncements that impacted the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, or which are expected to impact future periods, which were not previously disclosed in prior periods.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity.

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