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4 - OTHER ASSETS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]  
Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
4  -  OTHER ASSETS

The following table presents a summary rollforward of other assets:

   
Investment in securities -
Zowie Technology
   
Investment in joint venture - Grand Shine Mgmt
   
Other
   
Other Assets Total
 
                         
Balance at December 31, 2014
 
$
100,000
   
$
868,000
   
$
20,000
   
$
988,000
 
Net unrealized investment losses during the period
   
-
     
(297,000
)
   
-
     
(297,000
)
Other changes
   
-
     
-
     
(3,000
)
   
(3,000
)
Balance at December 31, 2015
   
100,000
     
571,000
     
17,000
     
688,000
 
Net unrealized investment losses during the period
   
-
     
(224,000
)
   
-
     
(224,000
)
Other changes
   
-
     
-
     
7,000
     
7,000
 
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
$
100,000
   
$
347,000
   
$
24,000
   
$
471,000
 

Our $100,000 investment in securities as of December 31, 2016 relates to our ownership of 1,037,739 common shares of Zowie Technology Corporation (Taipei Hsien, Taiwan), a supplier of electronic component products (see Part I: Item 1 – Business – Suppliers).  Our investment relates to approximately 9.2% of their total outstanding shares although we do not have significant influence or control.  This investment is accounted for under the cost method basis of accounting, however when facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of this asset may not be recoverable, we recognize an impairment loss. The impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value.  In 2014, due to our estimated valuation assessment, we recognized an impairment loss of $305,000.

Our $347,000 investment in joint venture as of December 31, 2016, relates to our 49% ownership of Grand Shine Management Limited (Dong Guan, China), an electronic device contract manufacturer, and joint venture with its 51% owner, Teamforce Company Limited.  This joint venture is not considered to be a “Variable Interest Entity”, and as such, is accounted for under the equity method basis of accounting.