Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PAR Technology Corporation and its subsidiaries (ParTech, Inc., ParTech (Shanghai) Company Ltd., PAR Springer-Miller Systems, Inc., Springer-Miller Canada, ULC, PAR Canada ULC, PAR Government Systems Corporation, Rome Research Corporation, Brink Software, Inc. and PAR Logistics Management Systems Corporation), collectively referred to as the “Company.” All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

On Janurary 12, 2012, PAR Technology Corporation completed its sale of substantially all of the assets of the PAR Logistics Management Systems Corporation (LMS) to ORBCOMM Inc. The results of operations of LMS fiscal year 2013 have been recorded as discontinued operations in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC:) 205-20. Presentation of Financial Statements - Discountiued Operations. During the period ended December 31, 2014, the Company did not record any income or loss associated with its former LMS business. During the period ended December 31, 2013, the Compnay recorded agreed upon working capital adjustmenets that resulted in a net loss of $211,000.

Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]

Business combinations

The Company accounts for business combinations pursuant to ASC 805, Business Combinations, which requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at their respective fair values on the date of acquisition. The fair value of the consideration paid is assigned to the underlying net assets of the acquired business based on their respective fair values. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is allocated to goodwill (the “Acquisition Method”). The purchase price allocation process requires the Company to make significant assumptions and estimates in determining the purchase price and the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. The Company’s assumptions and estimates are subject to refinement and, as a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, the Company records adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s consolidated financial statements and results of operations reflect an acquired business after the completion of the acquisition.

Contingent Consideration

The Company determines the acquisition date fair value of contingent consideration using a discounted cash flow method, with significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 fair value measurement as defined in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The significant inputs in the Level 3 measurement not supported by market activity included the Company’s probability assessments of expected future cash flows related to the Company’s acquisition of Brink during the contingent consideration period, appropriately discounted considering the uncertainties associated with the obligation, and calculated in accordance with the terms of the definitive agreement. The liabilities for the contingent consideration are established at the time of the acquisition and will be evaluated on a quarterly basis based on additional information as it becomes available. Any change in the fair value adjustment is recorded in the earnings of that period. Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration obligations may result from changes in probability assumptions with respect to the likelihood of achieving the various contingent payment obligations. Significant increases or decreases in the inputs noted above in isolation would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.

Revenue recognition

Revenue recognition policy

Our Hospitality group’s revenues consist of sales of the Company’s standard point-of-sale and property management systems of the Hospitality segment. We derive revenue from the following sources: (1) hardware sales, (2) software license agreements, including sold as a perpetual license and sold as a service, (3) professional services, (4) hosting services and (5) post-contract customer support ("PCS").

We recognize revenue when all four revenue recognition criteria have been met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, we have delivered the product or performed the service, the fee is fixed or determinable and collection is probable. Determining whether and when some of these criteria have been satisfied often involves assumptions and judgments that can have a significant impact on the timing and amount of revenue we report.

Hardware

Revenue recognition on hardware sales occurs upon delivery to the customer site (or when shipped for systems that are not installed by the Company) when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.

Software

Revenue recognition on software sales generally occurs upon delivery to the customer, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is probable. For software sales sold as a perpetual license and as a service, where the Company is the sole party that has the proprietary knowledge to install the software, revenue is recognized upon installation and when the system is ready to go live.

Service

Service revenue consists of installation and training services, field and depot repair, subscription software products, associated software maintenance, and software related hosted services. Installation and training service revenue are based upon standard hourly/daily rates as well as contracted prices with the customer, and revenue is recognized as the services are performed. Support maintenance and field and depot repair are provided to customers either on a time and materials basis or under a maintenance contract. Services provided on a time and materials basis are recognized as the services are performed. Service revenues from maintenance contracts are recorded as deferred revenue when billed to the customer and are recognized ratably over the underlying contract period. Software sold as a service is recognized based on the contracted price of its contract term.

PAR frequently enters into multiple-element arrangements with its customers including hardware, software, professional consulting services and maintenance support services. For arrangements involving multiple deliverables, when deliverables include software and non-software products and services, PAR evaluates and separates each deliverable to determine whether it represents a separate unit of accounting based on the following criteria: (a) the delivered item has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis; and (b) if the contract includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item, delivery or performance of the undelivered items is considered probable and substantially in the control of PAR.

The individual hardware, service, and software offerings that are included in arrangements with our customers are identified and priced separately to the customer based upon the stand alone price for each individual hardware, service, or software sold in the arrangement irrespective of the combination of products and services which are included in a particular arrangement. As such, overall consideration is allocated to each unit of accounting based on the unit's relative selling prices. In such circumstances, the Company uses a hierarchy to determine the selling price to be used for allocating revenue to each deliverable: (i) vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price (VSOE), (ii) third-party evidence of selling price (TPE), and (iii) best estimate of selling price (BESP). VSOE generally exists only when the Company sells the deliverable separately and is the price actually charged by the Company for that deliverable. VSOE is established for our software maintenance services to establish selling prices for our non-software related services, which include hardware maintenance, non-software related professional services, and transaction services. The Company uses BESP to allocate revenue when we are unable to establish VSOE or TPE of selling price. BESP is primarily used for elements such as products that are not consistently priced within a narrow range. The Company determines BESP for a deliverable by considering multiple factors including product and customer class, geography, average discount, and management's historical pricing practices. Amounts allocated to the delivered hardware and software elements are recognized at the time of sale provided the other conditions for revenue recognition have been met. Amounts allocated to the undelivered maintenance and other services elements are recognized as the services are provided or on a straight-line basis over the service period. In certain instances, customer acceptance is required prior to the passage of title and risk of loss of the delivered products. In such cases, revenue is not recognized until the customer acceptance is obtained. Delivery and acceptance generally occur in the same reporting period.

In situations where PAR’s solutions contain software and software related services (generally PCS and Professional services), revenue is recognized in accordance with authoritative guidance on software revenue recognition. For the software and software-related elements of such transactions, revenue is allocated based on the relative fair value of each element, and fair value is determined by vender specific objective evidence (VSOE), where available. If VSOE is not availalble for all elements, we will use the residual method to separate the elements as long as we have VSOE for the undelivered amounts. If the Company cannot objectively determine the fair value of any undelivered element included in such multiple-element arrangements, the Company defers the revenue until all elements are delivered and services have been performed, or until fair value can objectively be determined for any remaining undelivered elements.

Government Contracts

The Company’s contract revenues generated by the Government segment result primarily from contract services performed for the U.S. Government under a variety of cost-plus fixed fee, time-and-material, and fixed-price contracts. Revenue on cost-plus fixed fee contracts is recognized based on allowable costs for labor hours delivered, as well as other allowable costs plus the applicable fee. Revenue on time and material contracts is recognized by multiplying the number of direct labor hours delivered in the performance of the contract by the contract billing rates and adding other direct costs as incurred. Revenue from fixed-price contracts is recognized as labor hours are delivered which approximates the straight-line basis of the life of the contract. The Company’s obligation under these contracts is to provide labor hours to conduct research or to staff facilities with no other deliverables or performance obligations. Anticipated losses on all contracts are recorded in full when identified. Unbilled accounts receivable are stated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements at their estimated realizable value. Contract costs, including indirect expenses, are subject to audit and adjustment through negotiations between the Company and U.S. Government representatives.

Cash equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments, purchased with a remaining maturity of three months or less, to be cash equivalents.

Accounts receivable - Allowance for doubtful accounts

Accounts receivable – Allowance for doubtful accounts

Allowances for doubtful accounts are based on estimates of probable losses related to accounts receivable balances. The establishment of allowances requires the use of judgment and assumptions regarding probable losses on receivable balances.

Inventories

The Company’s inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. The Company uses certain estimates and judgments and considers several factors including product demand, changes in customer requirements and changes in technology to provide for excess and obsolescence reserves to properly value inventory.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to twenty-five years. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.

Other assets

Other assets primarily consist of cash surrender value of life insurance related to the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan.

Income taxes

The provision for income taxes is based upon pretax earnings with deferred income taxes provided for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities. The Company records a valuation allowance when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to their net realizable amounts. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Other long-term liabilities

Other long-term liabilities represent amounts owed to certain employees who are participants in the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan and the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration payable related to the Brink acquisition.

Foreign currency

The assets and liabilities for the Company’s international operations are translated into U.S. dollars using year-end exchange rates. Income statement items are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ equity under the heading Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. Exchange gains and losses on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature are also recorded as a translation adjustment and are included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded in other income in the accompanying statements of operations.

Other Income

Other income

The components of other income for the two years ending December 31 are as follows:

	Year ended December 31 (in thousands)
	2014			2013

Foreign currency gains / (loss)	$	(154	)	$	146
Rental income-net		359			448
Other		99			(88	)
	$	304		$	506

Identifiable intangible assets

The Company’s identifiable intangible assets represent intangible assets acquired from the Brink acquisition as well as internally developed software costs. The Company capitalizes certain costs related to the development of computer software sold by its Hospitality segment. Software development costs incurred prior to establishing technological feasibility are charged to operations and included in research and development costs. Software development costs incurred after establishing feasibility (as defined within ASC 985-20) are capitalized and amortized on a product-by-product basis when the product is available for general release to customers. Software costs capitalized during the periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $2.9 million and $4.7 million, respectively.

Annual amortization, charged to cost of sales when the product is available for general release to customers, is computed using the greater of (a) the straight-line method over the remaining estimated economic life of the product, generally three to seven years or (b) the ratio that current gross revenues for a product bear to the total of current and anticipated future gross revenues for that product. Amortization of capitalized software costs amounted to $1.9 million and $1.3 million, in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

In 2014, the Company acquired identifiable intangible assets in connection with its acquisition of Brink Software. Amortization of intangible assets acquired from the Brink acquisition amounted to $279,000 in 2014. There was no amortization of prior acquisitions recorded in 2014 and 2013.

The components of identifiable intangible assets are:

	December 31, (in thousands)
	2014			2013
Acquired and internally developed software costs	$	26,134		$	16,640
Customer relationships		160			-
Non-competition agreements		30			-
Trademarks, trade names (non-amortizable)		2,200			1,800
		28,524			18,440
Less accumulated amortization		(5,572	)		(3,369	)
	$	22,952		$	15,071

The expected future amortization of these intangible assets assuming straight-line amortization of capitalized software costs and acquisition related intangibles is as follows (in thousands):

2015	$	3,068
2016		3,465
2017		3,364
2018		3,262
2019		2,985
Thereafter		4,608
Total	$	20,752

The Company has elected to test for impairment of indefinite lived intangible assets during the fourth quarter of its fiscal year. To value the indefinite lived intangible assets, the Company utilizes the royalty method to estimate the fair values of the trademarks and trade names. As a result of the testing, there was no related impairment charge recorded for the periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Stock-based compensation

The Company recognizes all stock-based compensation to employees, including grants of employee stock options and restricted stock awards, in the financial statements as compensation cost over the vesting period using an accelerated expense recognition method, based on their fair value on the date of grant.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the dilutive impact of outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards.

The following is a reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding for the basic and diluted earnings per share computations (in thousands, except share and per share data):

	December 31,
	2014			2013
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(3,651	)	$	569

Basic:
Shares outstanding at beginning of year		15,473			15,210
Weighted average shares issued during the year		28			30
Weighted average common shares, basic		15,501			15,240
Income (loss) from continuing operations per common share, basic	$	(0.24	)	$	0.04

Diluted:
Weighted average common shares, basic		15,501			15,240
Weighted average shares issued during the year		-			1
Dilutive impact of stock options and restricted stock awards		-			32
Weighted average common shares, diluted		15,501			15,273
Income (loss) from continuing operations per common share, diluted	$	(0.24	)	$	0.04

At December 31, 2014 and 2013 there were 215,000 and 127,000 incremental shares, respectively, from the assumed exercise of stock options that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because of the anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share. There were no restricted stock awards excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Goodwill

The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances indicate there may be impairment. The Company operates in two business segments, Hospitality and Government. Goodwill impairment testing is performed at the sub-segment level (referred to as a reporting unit). The three reporting units utilized by the Company are: Restaurant, Hotel/Resort/Spa, and Government. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units at the date the goodwill is initially recorded. Once goodwill has been assigned to reporting units, it no longer retains its association with a particular acquisition, and all of the activities within a reporting unit, whether acquired or organically grown, are available to support the value of the goodwill. The amount outstanding for goodwill was $17.2 million and $6.9 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase was a result of $10.3 million of goodwill recorded by the Restaurant reporting unit from the acquisition of Brink Software. There was no impairment of goodwill for the periods ending December 31, 2014 or 2013.

The changes and carrying amounts of goodwill by reporting unit were as follows (in thousands):

	Restaurants			Hotel/Resort/ Spa			Government		Total

Net Balances at December 31, 2012	$	-		$	6,116		$	736	$	6,852
Goodwill		12,433			13,946			736		27,115
Accumulated Impairment charge		(12,433	)		(7,830	)		-		(20,263	)
Net Balances at December 31, 2013		-			6,116			736		6,852
Goodwill		12,433			13,946			736		27,115
Accumulated Impairment charge		(12,433	)		(7,830	)		-		(20,263	)
Acquisition		10,3115			-			-		10,315
Net balance at December 31, 2014	$	10,315		$	6,116		$	736	$	17,167

Impairment or long-lived assets

Impairment of long-lived assets

The Company evaluates the accounting and reporting for the impairment of long-lived assetsin accordance with the reporting requirements of ASC 360-10, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.. The Company will recognize impairment of long-lived assets or asset groups if the net book value of such assets exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flows attributable to such assets. If the carrying value of a long-lived asset or asset group is considered impaired, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset or asset group for assets to be held and used, or the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value less cost to sell for assets to be sold. No impairment was identified during 2014 or 2013.

Reclassifications

Amounts in prior years’ consolidated financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Use of estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management of the Company to make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the recognition and measurement of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations at fair value, the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment, identifiable intangible assets and goodwill, valuation allowances for receivables, inventories and deferred income tax assets, and measurement of contingent consideration at fair value. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The current economic conditions and the continued volatility in the U.S. and in many other countries where the Company operates could contribute to decreased consumer confidence and continued economic uncertainty which may adversely impact the Company’s operating performance. Although the Company has seen an improvement in the markets which it serves, the continued volatility in these markets could have an impact on purchases of the Company’s products, which could result in a reduction of sales, operating income and cash flows. This could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and/or results of operations and could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s significant estimates discussed above, specifically the fair value of the Company’s reporting units used in support of its annual goodwill impairment test.

Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In June 2014, the FASB issued amended guidance on the accounting for certain share-based employee compensation awards. The amended guidance requires that share-based employee compensation awards with terms of a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award and compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved. The Company is required to adopt this guidance for its annual and interim periods beginning March 1, 2016. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB amended the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. The amendments are based on the principle that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with customers. Adoption of the amendments is required in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The amendments may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application. PAR is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments and the transition alternatives on PAR's financial statements.

In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance that raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operations. The new guidance defines a discontinued operation as a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The new guidance is effective on January 1, 2015, with early adoption permitted. While we do not expect a material impact on PAR’s financial statements upon adoption, the effects on future periods will depend upon the nature and significance of future disposals.

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance eliminating diversity in practice surrounding the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The new guidance requires entities to net an unrecognized tax benefit with a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward if the carryforward would be used to settle additional tax due upon disallowance of a tax position. The amendment is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2013 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this amendment on January 1, 2014 did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

In March 2013, the FASB clarified that, when a reporting entity (parent) ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business within a foreign entity, the parent is required to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income. The cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided. The FASB also clarified that if a business combination is achieved in stages related to a previously held equity method investment (step-acquisition) that is a foreign entity, the amount of accumulated other comprehensive income that is reclassified and included in the calculation of gain or loss as of the acquisition date shall include any foreign currency translation adjustment related to that previously held investment. The amendments are effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this amendment on January 1, 2014 did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance requiring an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date as the amount the entity agreed to pay for the arrangement between them and the other entities that are also obligated to the liability and any additional amount the entity expects to pay on behalf of the other entities. The amendments are effective for fiscal periods (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this amendment on January 1, 2014 did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.