Income taxes

6 Months Ended

Jun. 28, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

3.         Income taxes

During the first six months of 2014, we recorded a non-cash charge to our valuation allowance of $9.6 million, increasing our valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to $18.6 million at June 28, 2014. The primary assets covered by this valuation allowance are net operating losses. The valuation allowance was calculated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes, which requires an assessment of both positive and negative evidence when measuring the need for a valuation allowance.  Our results over the most recent three-year period were heavily affected by our business restructuring activities. Our cumulative operating loss in the most recent three-year period, in our view, represented sufficient negative evidence to require a valuation allowance under the provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes. We intend to maintain a valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its reversal. Although realization is not assured, we have concluded that the remaining net deferred tax asset in the amount of $44 will be realized based on the reversal of existing deferred tax liabilities. The amount of the deferred tax assets actually realized, however, could vary if there are differences in the timing or amount of future reversals of existing deferred tax liabilities. Should we determine that we will not be able to realize all or part of our deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset will be charged to income in the period such determination is made.

The major reconciling items between our effective income tax rate and the federal statutory rate are the changes in our valuation allowance and the cash surrender value on life insurance policies.