What is the number missing if the numbers are 46 42 14 28 24 8 16?

the only sequence i can see is that it starts off 46 minus 4 then divide by 3. and then again for 28 minus 4 then divide by 3. so if 16 is starting off then it would be 16 minus 4, so 12. or also it could be (same answer though) minus 4 divide by 3 then double it then again minus 4 divide by 3 then double it then minus 4 =12