DLH (DLHC) 10-Q 6 Aug 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
Document and Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'DLH Holdings Corp.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000785557	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--09-30	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	9,597,173

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$15,692	$13,460	$44,914	$39,462
Direct expenses	13,384	11,485	38,295	33,927
Gross margin	2,308	1,975	6,619	5,535
General and administrative expenses	2,013	1,787	5,980	5,366
Depreciation and amortization	27	30	80	95
Income from operations	268	158	559	74
Other income (expense) net	-17	-90	23	-243
Income (loss) before income taxes	251	68	582	-169
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	$251	$68	$582	($169)
Net income (loss) per share, basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.01	$0.06	($0.02)
Weighted average common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	9,602	9,318	9,566	9,307
Diluted (in shares)	9,677	9,336	9,660	9,307

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,841	$3,408
Accounts receivable, net	12,254	11,943
Other current assets	634	599
Total current assets	16,729	15,950
Equipment and improvements, net	89	156
Goodwill	8,595	8,595
Other long-term assets	27	1,057
Total assets	25,440	25,758
CURRENT LIABILITIES	'	'
Bank loan payable	0	1,313
Derivative financial instruments, at fair value	0	160
Accrued payroll	11,276	11,138
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities	5,118	5,343
Total current liabilities	16,394	17,954
LONG TERM LIABILITIES	'	'
Other long term liability	16	20
Total liabilities	16,410	17,974
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'	'
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	'	'
Preferred stock, $.10 par value; authorized 5,000 shares, none issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $.001 par value; authorized 40,000 shares; issued 9,605 at June 30, 2014 and 9,320 at September 30, 2013, outstanding 9,597 at June 30, 2014 and 9,318 at September 30, 2013	9	9
Additional paid-in capital	76,074	75,400
Accumulated deficit	-67,019	-67,601
Treasury stock, 8 shares at cost at June 30, 2014 and 2 shares at cost at September 30, 2013	-34	-24
Total shareholders’ equity	9,030	7,784
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$25,440	$25,758

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Preferred stock, authorized shares	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, issued shares	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding shares	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, authorized shares	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common stock, issued shares	9,605,000	9,320,000
Common stock, outstanding shares	9,597,000	9,318,000
Treasury stock, shares	8,000	2,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Operating activities	'	'
Net income (loss)	$582	($169)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization including financing costs	89	239
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments	-99	-48
Non cash equity grants	372	168
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of divested business:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-311	518
Prepaid workers' compensation and other current assets	-35	-6
Other assets	1,030	-298
Accounts payable, accrued payroll, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-87	5
Other long term liabilities	-3	-42
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,538	367
Investing activities	'	'
Purchase of equipment and improvements	-13	-9
Net cash used in investing activities	-13	-9
Financing activities	'	'
Net (payments)/borrowing on bank loan payable	-951	-50
Rights offering expenses	0	-14
Proceeds from exercise of warrants	52	0
Repayments of capital lease obligations	-22	-38
Net repayment on convertible debentures	-140	0
Repurchased shares of common stock held as treasury stock	-10	0
Repurchased shares of common stock subsequently canceled	-21	0
Cash flows from discontinued operation	0	-35
Net cash (used in) financing activities	-1,092	-137
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	433	221
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,408	3,089
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	3,841	3,310
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information	'	'
Cash paid during the period for interest	116	67
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$0	$11

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DLH and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2014. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's Annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2013 filed on December 10, 2013.

Business_Overview

Business Overview	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Business Overview	'
	Business Overview
	For more than 25 years, DLH Holdings Corp. ("DLH"), has provided professional services to the U.S. Government. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, DLH employs over 1,200 skilled technicians, logisticians, engineers, healthcare and support personnel at more than 25 locations around the United States. DLH’s operating subsidiary, DLH Solutions, Inc., is organized into three broad integrated revenue streams: Healthcare Delivery Solutions, Logistics & Technical Services, and Contingency / Staff Augmentation Services. Our customers, a majority of whom are within the Departments of Defense ("DoD") and Veterans Affairs ("DVA"), benefit from proven leadership processes, technical excellence and differentiation, and cost management. The remaining portion of DLH's business is comprised of customers within the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Departments of Justice, Agriculture, Interior and Federal Emergency Management Agency, at locations throughout the United States.
	DLH Holdings Corp. (together with its subsidiaries, "DLH" or the "Company" and also referred to as "we," "us" and "our") manages its operations from its principal executive offices at 1776 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30309.
	Presently, the Company derives all of its revenue from agencies of the Federal government. A major customer is defined as a customer from whom the Company derives at least 10% of its revenues. In each of the fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, revenue from the U.S. Government accounted, either directly or indirectly, for 100% of the Company’s total revenue. Within the U.S. Government, our largest customer continues to be the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), at 96% of revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, and 97% of revenue for the nine months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
	Accordingly, DLH remains dependent upon the continuation of its relationship with the DVA. As of June 30, 2014, these awards from the DVA have anticipated periods of performance ranging from approximately three to up to five years. These agreements are subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulations, and there can be no assurance as to the actual amount of services that the Company will ultimately provide to the DVA under these awards. The Company's results of operations, cash flows and financial condition would be materially adversely affected in the event that we were unable to continue our relationships with the DVA.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In March 2014, the FASB issued technical corrections and improvements related to Glossary Terms, which include clarifications to prior guidance on numerous topics. The effective date of these revisions is immediate. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant effect on the financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance regarding revenue recognition from contracts, to conform reporting between US GAAP and IFRS. The effective date of these revisions is for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early application not permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of this revision.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance related to accounting for share-based payments for certain performance stock awards. The effective date of this guidance is for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of this guidance.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period financial statements to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported results of operations or accumulated deficit.

Supporting_Financial_Informati

Supporting Financial Information Supporting Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Supporting Financial Information	'
	Supporting Financial Information
	Accounts Receivable
						(in thousands)
					June 30,					September 30,
			Ref			2014					2013
	Billed receivables					$	2,692				$	2,408
	Unbilled receivables		(a)			9,562					9,535
	Total accounts receivable					12,254					11,943
	Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts					—					—
	Accounts receivable, net					$	12,254				$	11,943
	Ref (a): Receivable portion of retroactive billings. Revenues related to these retroactive billings were recognized in fiscal 2008 in accordance with GAAP, as follows: (1) the Company developed and calculated an amount for such prior period services and had a contractual right to bill for such amounts under its arrangements, (2) there were no remaining unfulfilled conditions for approval of such billings and (3) collectibility was reasonably assured based on historical practices with, and contractual requirements of, the DVA. The related direct costs, principally comprised of salaries and benefits, were accrued to match the recognized reimbursements from the Federal agency; upon approval, wages will be processed for payment to the employees. During the year ended September 30, 2008, DLH recognized revenues of $10.8 million revenue related to these non-recurring arrangements. DLH has had ongoing interactions with the customer during third quarter fiscal 2014, and we expect closure on this issue within the next several months.
	Other Current Assets
						(in thousands)
					June 30,					September 30,
			Ref			2014					2013
	Workers' compensation receivable		(a)			$	199				$	358
	Prepaid insurance expense					250					143
	Other prepaid expenses					185					98
	Total other current assets					$	634				$	599
	Ref (a): As part of the Company’s discontinued PEO operations, DLH had a workers’ compensation program with Zurich American Insurance Company (“Zurich”) which covered the period from March 22, 2002 through November 16, 2003, inclusive. DLH estimates that the remaining workers compensation receivable of approximately $0.2 million will be received within the next twelve months.
	Debt Obligations
						(in thousands)
					June 30,					September 30,
			Ref			2014					2013
	Bank loan payable					$	—				$	951
	Current portion of capital lease obligation					—					22
	Convertible debenture, net		(a)			—					340
	Total debt obligations					$	—				$	1,313
	Ref (a): See Note 12 regarding maturity and closure of the convertible debenture.
	Accrued Payroll
						(in thousands)
					June 30,					September 30,
			Ref			2014					2013
	Accrued current payroll					$	2,599				$	2,461
	Accrued payroll related to unbilled accounts receivable					8,677					8,677
	Total accrued payroll					$	11,276				$	11,138
	Equipment and Improvements, net
						(in thousands)
					June 30,					September 30,
			Ref			2014					2013
	Furniture and equipment					$	139				$	139
	Computer equipment					126					126
	Computer software					430					417
	Leasehold improvements					24					24
						719					706
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization					(630		)			(550		)
	Equipment and improvements, net					$	89				$	156
	Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, and Other Current Liabilities
						(in thousands)
					June 30,					September 30,
			Ref			2014					2013
	Accounts payable					$	1,424				$	1,396
	Accrued benefits					715					596
	Accrued bonus and incentive compensation					447					860
	Accrued workers compensation insurance					733					563
	Other accrued expenses					366					534
	Payroll tax accrual		(a)			1,433					1,394
	Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities					$	5,118				$	5,343
	Ref (a): From 2006 through 2009, DLH received notices from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) claiming taxes, interest and penalties due related to payroll taxes. These notices are predominantly related to the former PEO operations which were sold in fiscal 2003. The liability includes estimated accrued penalties and interest totaling approximately $600 thousand.
	Other Income (Expense)
			(in thousands)							(in thousands)
			Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
			June 30,							June 30,
	Ref	2014				2013			2014				2013
Interest income (expense), net		$	(24	)		$	(38	)	$	(75	)		$	(131	)
Amortization of deferred financing costs		—				(38		)	(10		)		(144		)
Change in value of financial instruments	(a)	—				7			99				48
Other income (expense), net		7				(21		)	9				(16		)
Total other income (expense), net		(17		)		(90		)	23				(243		)
Ref (a): Represents the adjustment to fair value of embedded conversion feature and warrants related to the Company's convertible debentures. Such instruments did not meet the requirements for qualified hedge accounting under GAAP.

Liquidity

Liquidity	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]	'
Liquidity	'
	Liquidity
	At June 30, 2014, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $3.8 million, net working capital of approximately $0.34 million, and an accumulated deficit of approximately $(67.0) million. For the nine months ended June 30, 2014, the Company realized operating income of approximately $0.56 million and net income of approximately $0.58 million, as compared to a net loss of $(0.17) million for the nine months ended June 30, 2013.
	The Company has a credit facility with a lending institution which provides a maximum amount of $6 million and includes a maximum amount available under the unbilled facility of $1 million. Presently, the maximum availability under this loan facility is $3 million, subject to eligible accounts receivable, excluding retroactive billings.  The interest rate on the Accounts Receivable portion of the loan was 4.0% at June 30, 2014, and 5.2% at September 30, 2013.  The interest rate on the Unbilled Accounts portion was 4.0% at June 30, 2014, and 7.2% at September 30, 2013. At June 30, 2014, our available loan reserves were approximately $2.2 million, comprised of a $1.4 million letter of credit reserve and $0.8 million of unused loan capacity. DLH required no borrowing on the credit facility during third quarter ended June 30, 2014.
	Management believes, at present, that: (a) cash and cash equivalents of approximately $3.8 million as of June 30, 2014; (b) the amount available under its line of credit (which is limited to the amount of eligible assets); (c) planned operating cash flow; and (d) effects of cost reduction programs and initiatives should be sufficient to support the Company's operations for twelve months from the date of these financial statements.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	7. Significant Accounting Policies
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates include valuation of goodwill, expected settlement amounts of accounts receivable, measurement of prepaid workers’ compensation, valuation allowances established against accounts receivable and deferred tax assets,  measurement of payroll tax contingencies, accounts payable, workers’ compensation claims, and accrued expenses and the valuation of derivative financial instruments associated with debt agreements. In addition, the Company estimates overhead charges and allocates such charges throughout the year.  Actual results could differ from those estimates. In particular, a material reduction in the fair value of goodwill would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
	Revenue Recognition
	DLH’s revenue is derived from professional and other specialized service offerings to US Government agencies through a variety of contracts, some of which are fixed-price in nature and/or sourced through Federal Supply Schedules administered by the General Services Administration (“GSA”) at fixed unit rates or hourly arrangements. We generally operate as a prime contractor, but have also entered into contracts as a subcontractor. The recognition of revenue from fixed rates is based upon objective criteria that generally do not require significant estimates that may change over time. DLH recognizes and records revenue on government contracts when it is realized, or realizable, and earned. DLH considers these requirements met when: (a) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (b) the services have been delivered to the customer; (c) the sales price is fixed or determinable and free of contingencies or significant uncertainties; and (d) collectibility is reasonably assured.
	Goodwill
	DLH continues to review its goodwill for possible impairment or loss of value at least annually or more frequently upon the occurrence of an event or when circumstances indicate that a reporting unit’s carrying amount is greater than its fair value.  At September 30, 2013, we performed a goodwill impairment evaluation. We performed both a qualitative and quantitative assessment of factors to determine whether it was necessary to perform the goodwill impairment test. Based on the results of the work performed, the Company has concluded that no impairment loss was warranted at September 30, 2013. Factors including non-renewal of a major contract or other substantial changes in business conditions could have a material adverse effect on the valuation of goodwill in future periods and the resulting charge could be material to future periods’ results of operations. For the three and nine months ended June 30, 2014, the Company determined that no change in business conditions occurred which would have a material adverse effect on the valuation of goodwill.  If an impairment write off of all the goodwill became necessary in future periods, a charge of up to $8.6 million would be expensed in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. All remaining goodwill is attributable to the DLH Solutions operating subsidiary.
	Income Taxes
	DLH accounts for income taxes in accordance with the liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reflected on the consolidated balance sheet when it is determined that it is more likely than not that the asset will be realized. This guidance also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company has adequate net operating loss carryforwards to offset against any taxable income in the current period. At June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded a 100% valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets. Tax years open for examination are 2010 and forward.

Stockbased_Compensatin_Equity_

Stock-based Compensatin, Equity Grants, and Warrants	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-based Compensation, Equity Grants, and Warrants	'
	Stock-based compensation, equity grants, and warrants
	Stock-based compensation expense
	Stock-based compensation expense, shown in the table below, is recorded in general and administrative expenses included in our statement of operations:
			(in thousands)							(in thousands)
			Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		Ref	June 30,							June 30,
			2014			2013				2014		2013
	DLH employees		$	78		$	40			$	263	$	105
	Non-employee directors	(a)	—			—				109		54
	Warrants to consultants	(b)	—			3				—		9
	Total compensation expense		$	78		$	43			$	372	$	168
	Ref (a): Equity grants of restricted stock to non-executive directors, in accordance with DLH compensation policy for non-executive directors. The shares vested immediately and stock expense was recognized accordingly.
	Ref (b): Warrants are issued from time-to-time to non-employee third parties in order to induce them to enter into certain transactions with the Company. The Company recognizes non-cash expense related to such activity over the estimated period of performance.
	Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense
			(in thousands)
			Period Ended
			June 30,
		Ref	2014			2013
	Unrecognized expense for DLH employees	(a)	$	196		$	131
	Unrecognized expense for non-employee directors	(b)	150			150
	Total unrecognized expense		$	346		$	281
	Ref (a): Compensation expense for the portion of equity awards for which the requisite service has not been rendered is recognized as the requisite service is rendered. The compensation expense for that portion of awards shall be based on the grant-date fair value of those awards as calculated for recognition purposes under applicable guidance.
	Ref (b): Unrecognized stock expense related to prior years equity grants of restricted stock to non-executive directors, based on performance criteria, in accordance with DLH compensation policy for non-executive directors. The shares will vest upon future satisfaction of specified performance.
	Stock option activity for the nine months ended June 30, 2014:
	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table below represents the total pretax intrinsic value (i.e., the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the period and the exercise price, times the number of shares) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their in the money options on those dates. This amount will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock.
							(in years)
							Weighted
					Weighted		Average		(in thousands)
			(in thousands)		Average		Remaining		Aggregate
			Number of		Exercise		Contractual		Intrinsic
		Ref	Shares		Price		Term		Value
	Options outstanding, September 30, 2013		1,613		$1.15		7.9		$	388
	Granted	(a)	605		$1.35
	Cancelled		(63	)	$1.35
	Options outstanding, June 30, 2014		2,155		$1.20		7.9		$	1,482
	Ref (a): Shares granted in conjunction with stock option awards and employment agreement extensions during first quarter of fiscal 2014.
	Stock options shares anti-dilutive for the period ended:
			(in thousands)					(in thousands)
			Number of Shares					Number of Shares
			Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
			June 30,					June 30,
		Ref	2014		2013			2014			2013
	Options outstanding		2,155		1,613			2,155			1,613
	Warrants	(a)	20		74			20			74
	Less effect of dilutive securities		(75	)	(18	)		(94	)		—
	Stock option shares anti-dilutive		2,100		1,669			2,081			1,687
	Ref (a): June 2013 periods include Wynnefield warrants of 53,846 shares that were exercised in October 2013. See Note 12 for further information.
	Stock options shares outstanding, vested and unvested for the period ended:
			(in thousands)
			Number of Shares
			June 30,
		Ref	2014		2013
	Vested and exercisable		463		413
	Unvested	(a)	1,692		1,200
	Options outstanding		2,155		1,613
	Ref (a): Certain awards vest upon satisfaction of certain performance criteria. The Company will not recognize expense on the performance based shares until it is probable that these conditions will be achieved. Such charges could be material in future periods.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company has financial instruments, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, loan payable, notes payable, and accrued expense. Due to the short term nature of these instruments, DLH estimates that the fair value of all financial instruments at June 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 does not differ materially from the aggregate carrying values of these financial instruments recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  In addition, the Company has historically presented certain common stock warrants and embedded conversion features associated with Convertible Debentures and accounts for such derivative financial instruments at fair value. As further described in Note 12, those convertible debentures matured and the common stock warrants were exercised in the three months ended December 31, 2013.

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	'
	Earnings (Loss) Per Share
	Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and restricted stock grants that vested or are likely to vest during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of basic common shares outstanding, adjusted to reflect potentially dilutive securities. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the treasury stock method.
		(in thousands)
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		June 30,				June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	251	$	68	$	582	$	(169	)
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share - weighted-average outstanding shares	9,602		9,318		9,566		9,307
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options and restricted stock	75		18		94		—
	Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share - weighted-average outstanding shares	9,677		9,336		9,660		9,307
	Net income (loss) per share - basic	$	0.03	$	0.01	$	0.06	$	(0.02	)
	Net income (loss) per share - diluted	$	0.03	$	0.01	$	0.06	$	(0.02	)

Commitment_and_Contingencies

Commitment and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Retroactive Billing Adjustments
	The Company continues to support the Government’s review of the detailed supporting calculations for the retroactive billings and to negotiate an incremental final amount related to indirect costs and fees applied to these retroactive billings. The additional indirect costs and fees are estimated to be between $0.4 million and $0.6 million. The Company has developed these estimates under the same contractual provisions applied to the sites that were settled in 2008. However, because these amounts remain subject to government review, no assurances can be given that any amounts the Company may receive will be within the range specified above. Refer to Note 5, Accounts Receivable for further information.
	Legal Proceedings
	As the Company has previously reported, it was advised of a claim by the U.S. Attorney based on an alleged omission to pay certain classes of employees the prevailing wages as required by the Service Contract Act during the years 2003-2010. On
	December 12, 2013, the Company was further advised by the U.S. Attorney that, after a review of the merits of the complaint, the U.S. Department of Justice declined to intervene and the claim has been dismissed in its entirety.

Equity_and_Convertible_Debentu

Equity and Convertible Debentures Financing	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Equity and Convertible Debentures Financing	'
	As has been previously disclosed, certain entities affiliated with Wynnefield Capital, Inc., the Company’s largest stockholder, owned convertible debentures in an aggregate principal amount of $350,000 and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 53,846 shares of common stock. These instruments were issued pursuant to a debenture purchase agreement in June 2011. The warrants were exercisable at a price of $0.96 until June 2016 and the conversion rate of the convertible debentures was $1.25.
	Upon maturity on October 28, 2013, the principal amount of $210,000 of convertible debentures was converted into 168,000 shares of common stock and the principal amount of $140,000 on the remaining debenture was repaid in full. In addition, in October 2013, the holders of the Warrants exercised such Warrants in full for 53,846 shares of common stock. A non-recurring gain of $119 thousand was recognized related to the embedded conversion feature. Additionally, expense of $20 thousand was recorded in the three months ended December 31, 2013, related to fair valuation of the warrants. The accrued liability of $61 thousand with respect to the fair value of the warrants was reflected as additional paid in capital upon their exercise. The shares of the Company’s common stock issued upon conversion of the debentures were issued in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The shares of the Company’s common stock issued upon exercise of the warrants were issued in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events:
	Management has evaluated subsequent events through the date that the Company's financial statements were issued. Based on this evaluation, the Company has determined that no subsequent events have occurred which require disclosure through the date that these financial statements were issued.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates include valuation of goodwill, expected settlement amounts of accounts receivable, measurement of prepaid workers’ compensation, valuation allowances established against accounts receivable and deferred tax assets,  measurement of payroll tax contingencies, accounts payable, workers’ compensation claims, and accrued expenses and the valuation of derivative financial instruments associated with debt agreements. In addition, the Company estimates overhead charges and allocates such charges throughout the year.  Actual results could differ from those estimates. In particular, a material reduction in the fair value of goodwill would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	DLH’s revenue is derived from professional and other specialized service offerings to US Government agencies through a variety of contracts, some of which are fixed-price in nature and/or sourced through Federal Supply Schedules administered by the General Services Administration (“GSA”) at fixed unit rates or hourly arrangements. We generally operate as a prime contractor, but have also entered into contracts as a subcontractor. The recognition of revenue from fixed rates is based upon objective criteria that generally do not require significant estimates that may change over time. DLH recognizes and records revenue on government contracts when it is realized, or realizable, and earned. DLH considers these requirements met when: (a) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (b) the services have been delivered to the customer; (c) the sales price is fixed or determinable and free of contingencies or significant uncertainties; and (d) collectibility is reasonably assured.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	DLH continues to review its goodwill for possible impairment or loss of value at least annually or more frequently upon the occurrence of an event or when circumstances indicate that a reporting unit’s carrying amount is greater than its fair value.  At September 30, 2013, we performed a goodwill impairment evaluation. We performed both a qualitative and quantitative assessment of factors to determine whether it was necessary to perform the goodwill impairment test. Based on the results of the work performed, the Company has concluded that no impairment loss was warranted at September 30, 2013. Factors including non-renewal of a major contract or other substantial changes in business conditions could have a material adverse effect on the valuation of goodwill in future periods and the resulting charge could be material to future periods’ results of operations. For the three and nine months ended June 30, 2014, the Company determined that no change in business conditions occurred which would have a material adverse effect on the valuation of goodwill.  If an impairment write off of all the goodwill became necessary in future periods, a charge of up to $8.6 million would be expensed in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. All remaining goodwill is attributable to the DLH Solutions operating subsidiary.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	DLH accounts for income taxes in accordance with the liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reflected on the consolidated balance sheet when it is determined that it is more likely than not that the asset will be realized. This guidance also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company has adequate net operating loss carryforwards to offset against any taxable income in the current period. At June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded a 100% valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets. Tax years open for examination are 2010 and forward.

Supporting_Financial_Informati1

Supporting Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accounts Receivable	'
						(in thousands)
					June 30,					September 30,
			Ref			2014					2013
	Billed receivables					$	2,692				$	2,408
	Unbilled receivables		(a)			9,562					9,535
	Total accounts receivable					12,254					11,943
	Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts					—					—
	Accounts receivable, net					$	12,254				$	11,943
	Ref (a): Receivable portion of retroactive billings. Revenues related to these retroactive billings were recognized in fiscal 2008 in accordance with GAAP, as follows: (1) the Company developed and calculated an amount for such prior period services and had a contractual right to bill for such amounts under its arrangements, (2) there were no remaining unfulfilled conditions for approval of such billings and (3) collectibility was reasonably assured based on historical practices with, and contractual requirements of, the DVA. The related direct costs, principally comprised of salaries and benefits, were accrued to match the recognized reimbursements from the Federal agency; upon approval, wages will be processed for payment to the employees. During the year ended September 30, 2008, DLH recognized revenues of $10.8 million revenue related to these non-recurring arrangements. DLH has had ongoing interactions with the customer during third quarter fiscal 2014, and we expect closure on this issue within the next several months.
Schedule of Other Current Assets	'
						(in thousands)
					June 30,					September 30,
			Ref			2014					2013
	Workers' compensation receivable		(a)			$	199				$	358
	Prepaid insurance expense					250					143
	Other prepaid expenses					185					98
	Total other current assets					$	634				$	599
	Ref (a): As part of the Company’s discontinued PEO operations, DLH had a workers’ compensation program with Zurich American Insurance Company (“Zurich”) which covered the period from March 22, 2002 through November 16, 2003, inclusive. DLH estimates that the remaining workers compensation receivable of approximately $0.2 million will be received within the next twelve months.
Schedule of Debt Obligations	'
						(in thousands)
					June 30,					September 30,
			Ref			2014					2013
	Bank loan payable					$	—				$	951
	Current portion of capital lease obligation					—					22
	Convertible debenture, net		(a)			—					340
	Total debt obligations					$	—				$	1,313
	Ref (a): See Note 12 regarding maturity and closure of the convertible debenture.
Schedule of Accrued Payroll	'
						(in thousands)
					June 30,					September 30,
			Ref			2014					2013
	Accrued current payroll					$	2,599				$	2,461
	Accrued payroll related to unbilled accounts receivable					8,677					8,677
	Total accrued payroll					$	11,276				$	11,138
Equipment and Improvemnts, Net	'
						(in thousands)
					June 30,					September 30,
			Ref			2014					2013
	Furniture and equipment					$	139				$	139
	Computer equipment					126					126
	Computer software					430					417
	Leasehold improvements					24					24
						719					706
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization					(630		)			(550		)
	Equipment and improvements, net					$	89				$	156
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, and Other Current Liabilities	'
	Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, and Other Current Liabilities
						(in thousands)
					June 30,					September 30,
			Ref			2014					2013
	Accounts payable					$	1,424				$	1,396
	Accrued benefits					715					596
	Accrued bonus and incentive compensation					447					860
	Accrued workers compensation insurance					733					563
	Other accrued expenses					366					534
	Payroll tax accrual		(a)			1,433					1,394
	Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities					$	5,118				$	5,343
Other Income (Expense)	'
	Other Income (Expense)
			(in thousands)							(in thousands)
			Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
			June 30,							June 30,
		Ref	2014				2013			2014				2013
	Interest income (expense), net		$	(24	)		$	(38	)	$	(75	)		$	(131	)
	Amortization of deferred financing costs		—				(38		)	(10		)		(144		)
	Change in value of financial instruments	(a)	—				7			99				48
	Other income (expense), net		7				(21		)	9				(16		)
	Total other income (expense), net		(17		)		(90		)	23				(243		)

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share	'
	Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the treasury stock method.
		(in thousands)
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		June 30,				June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	251	$	68	$	582	$	(169	)
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share - weighted-average outstanding shares	9,602		9,318		9,566		9,307
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options and restricted stock	75		18		94		—
	Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share - weighted-average outstanding shares	9,677		9,336		9,660		9,307
	Net income (loss) per share - basic	$	0.03	$	0.01	$	0.06	$	(0.02	)
	Net income (loss) per share - diluted	$	0.03	$	0.01	$	0.06	$	(0.02	)

Stockbased_Compensation_Equity

Stock-based Compensation, Equity Grants, and Warrants (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'
	Stock-based compensation expense, shown in the table below, is recorded in general and administrative expenses included in our statement of operations:
			(in thousands)							(in thousands)
			Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		Ref	June 30,							June 30,
			2014			2013				2014		2013
	DLH employees		$	78		$	40			$	263	$	105
	Non-employee directors	(a)	—			—				109		54
	Warrants to consultants	(b)	—			3				—		9
	Total compensation expense		$	78		$	43			$	372	$	168
	Ref (a): Equity grants of restricted stock to non-executive directors, in accordance with DLH compensation policy for non-executive directors. The shares vested immediately and stock expense was recognized accordingly.
	Ref (b): Warrants are issued from time-to-time to non-employee third parties in order to induce them to enter into certain transactions with the Company. The Company recognizes non-cash expense related to such activity over the estimated period of performance.
	Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense
			(in thousands)
			Period Ended
			June 30,
		Ref	2014			2013
	Unrecognized expense for DLH employees	(a)	$	196		$	131
	Unrecognized expense for non-employee directors	(b)	150			150
	Total unrecognized expense		$	346		$	281
	Ref (a): Compensation expense for the portion of equity awards for which the requisite service has not been rendered is recognized as the requisite service is rendered. The compensation expense for that portion of awards shall be based on the grant-date fair value of those awards as calculated for recognition purposes under applicable guidance.
	Ref (b): Unrecognized stock expense related to prior years equity grants of restricted stock to non-executive directors, based on performance criteria, in accordance with DLH compensation policy for non-executive directors. The shares will vest upon future satisfaction of specified performance.
Stock Option Activity	'
	This amount will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock.
							(in years)
							Weighted
					Weighted		Average		(in thousands)
			(in thousands)		Average		Remaining		Aggregate
			Number of		Exercise		Contractual		Intrinsic
		Ref	Shares		Price		Term		Value
	Options outstanding, September 30, 2013		1,613		$1.15		7.9		$	388
	Granted	(a)	605		$1.35
	Cancelled		(63	)	$1.35
	Options outstanding, June 30, 2014		2,155		$1.20		7.9		$	1,482
	Ref (a): Shares granted in conjunction with stock option awards and employment agreement extensions during first quarter of fiscal 2014.
Stock Options Shares Anti-dilutive for the Period	'
			(in thousands)					(in thousands)
			Number of Shares					Number of Shares
			Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
			June 30,					June 30,
		Ref	2014		2013			2014			2013
	Options outstanding		2,155		1,613			2,155			1,613
	Warrants	(a)	20		74			20			74
	Less effect of dilutive securities		(75	)	(18	)		(94	)		—
	Stock option shares anti-dilutive		2,100		1,669			2,081			1,687
	Ref (a): June 2013 periods include Wynnefield warrants of 53,846 shares that were exercised in October 2013. See Note 12 for further information.
Stock Option Shares Outstanding, Vested and Expected to Vest	'
			(in thousands)
			Number of Shares
			June 30,
		Ref	2014		2013
	Vested and exercisable		463		413
	Unvested	(a)	1,692		1,200
	Options outstanding		2,155		1,613
	Ref (a): Certain awards vest upon satisfaction of certain performance criteria. The Company will not recognize expense on the performance based shares until it is probable that these conditions will be achieved. Such charges could be material in future periods.

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Diluted earnings per share	'
	Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the treasury stock method.
		(in thousands)
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		June 30,				June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	251	$	68	$	582	$	(169	)
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share - weighted-average outstanding shares	9,602		9,318		9,566		9,307
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options and restricted stock	75		18		94		—
	Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share - weighted-average outstanding shares	9,677		9,336		9,660		9,307
	Net income (loss) per share - basic	$	0.03	$	0.01	$	0.06	$	(0.02	)
	Net income (loss) per share - diluted	$	0.03	$	0.01	$	0.06	$	(0.02	)

Business_Overview_Details

Business Overview (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Minimum period for which entity has provided professional services to the U.S. Government (years)	'	'	'25 years	'
Number of employees (employee)	1,200	'	1,200	'
Minimum number of locations in which entity operates (location)	25	'	25	'
Number of broad integrated revenue streams	'	'	3	'
US Government [Member] | Revenue concentration | Customer concentration	'	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Concentration risk percentage (percent)	'	'	100.00%	'
DVA | Revenue concentration | Customer concentration	'	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Concentration risk percentage (percent)	96.00%	96.00%	97.00%	97.00%
DVA | Minimum	'	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Term of government contract	'	'	'3 years	'
DVA | Maximum	'	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Term of government contract	'	'	'5 years	'

Supporting_Financial_Informati2

Supporting Financial Information - Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2008
			Billed Receivables	Billed Receivables	Unbilled Receivables	Unbilled Receivables	DVA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total accounts receivable	$12,254,000	$11,943,000	$2,692,000	$2,408,000	$9,562,000	$9,535,000	'
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	0	0	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts Receivable, Net	12,254,000	11,943,000	'	'	'	'	'
Contract revenue nonrecurring	'	'	'	'	'	'	$10,800,000

Supporting_Financial_Informati3

Supporting Financial Information - Other Current Assets (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'
Workers' compensation receivable	$199	$358
Prepaid insurance expense	250	143
Other prepaid expenses	185	98
Other current assets	$634	$599

Supporting_Financial_Informati4

Supporting Financial Information - Debt Obligations (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'
Loans Payable to Bank, Current	$0	$951
Current portion of capital lease obligation	0	22
Convertible debenture, net	0	340
Bank loan payable	$0	$1,313

Supporting_Financial_Informati5

Supporting Financial Information - Accrued Payroll (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Accrued current payroll	$2,599	$2,461
Accrued payroll	11,276	11,138
Unbilled Receivables	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Accrued current payroll	$8,677	$8,677

Supporting_Financial_Informati6

Supporting Financial Information - Equipment and Improvements, net (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'
Furniture and equipment	$139	$139
Computer equipment	126	126
Computer software	430	417
Leasehold improvements	24	24
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	719	706
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	630	550
Equipment and improvements, net	$89	$156

Supporting_Financial_Informati7

Supporting Financial Information - Accounts Payable, Accrued Expense and Other Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts payable	$1,424	$1,396
Accrued benefits	715	596
Accrued bonus and incentive compensation	447	860
Accrued workers compensation insurance	733	563
Other accrued expenses	366	534
Payroll tax accrual	1,433	1,394
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	5,118	5,343
Accrued interest and penalties	$600	'

Supporting_Financial_Informati8

Supporting Financial Information - Other Income (Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest income (expense), net	($24)	($38)	($75)	($131)
Amortization of deferred financing costs	0	-38	-10	-144
Change in value of financial instruments	0	7	99	48
Other income (expense), net	7	-21	9	-16
Other income (expense) net	($17)	($90)	$23	($243)

Liquidity_Details

Liquidity (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Line of Credit [Member]

Accounts receivables

Accounts receivables

Accounts receivables

Unbilled receivables

Unbilled receivables

Unbilled receivables

Letter of Credit [Member]

Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents

$3,841,000

$3,310,000

$3,841,000

$3,310,000

$3,408,000

$3,089,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net working capital

335,000

'

335,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated deficit

-67,019,000

'

-67,019,000

'

-67,601,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating income

268,000

158,000

559,000

74,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss)

251,000

68,000

582,000

-169,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum availability

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,000,000

3,000,000

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

Interest rate (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.00%

5.20%

'

4.00%

7.20%

'

Amount of unused availability under the line

$2,200,000

'

$2,200,000

'

'

'

$800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,400,000

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill And Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Valuation allowance against deferred tax assets (percent)	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Anti-dilutive shares	2,100	1,669	2,081	1,687
Maximum	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Charge to be expensed, if an impairment of all the goodwill became necessary	'	'	8.6	'

Stockbased_Compensation_Equity1

Stock-based Compensation, Equity Grants, and Warrants - Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total compensation expense	$78	$43	$372	$168	'
Total unrecognized expense	346	'	346	'	281
DLH Employees	'	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total unrecognized expense	196	'	196	'	131
Non-employee Directors	'	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total unrecognized expense	150	'	150	'	150
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | DLH Employees	'	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total compensation expense	78	40	263	105	'
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Non-employee Directors	'	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total compensation expense	0	0	109	54	'
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Consultants	'	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total compensation expense	$0	$3	$0	$9	'

Stockbased_Compensation_Equity2

Stock-based Compensation, Equity Grants, and Warrants - Stock Option Activity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014
Number of Shares	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	1,613	1,613
Granted (in shares)	'	605
Cancelled (in shares)	'	-63
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	1,613	2,155
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	'	$1.15
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	$1.35
Cancelled (in dollars per share)	'	$1.35
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$1.15	$1.20
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period	'7 years 10 months 24 days	'
Outstanding at the end of the period	'7 years 10 months 24 days	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars)	'	$388
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars)	$388	$1,482

Stockbased_Compensation_Equity3

Stock-based Compensation, Equity Grants, and Warrants - Anti-dilutive Stock Option Shares (Details)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Equity Option

Equity Option

Equity Option

Equity Option

Warrant

Warrant

Warrant

Warrant

Warrant

Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Exercised in Period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

53,846

Stock options shares anti-dilutive

2,100,000

1,669,000

2,081,000

1,687,000

2,155,000

1,613,000

2,155,000

1,613,000

20,000

74,000

20,000

74,000

'

Less effect of dilutive securities

-75,000

-18,000

-94,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stockbased_Compensation_Equity4

Stock-based Compensation, Equity Grants, and Warrants - Stock Options Outstanding, Vested and Unvested (Details)	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Vested and exercisable	463	'	413
Unvested	1,692	'	1,200
Option outstanding	2,155	1,613	1,613

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Detail

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$251	$68	$582	($169)
Denominator [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share - weighted-average outstanding shares (shares)	9,602	9,318	9,566	9,307
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Stock options and restricted stock (shares)	75	18	94	0
Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share - weighted-average outstanding shares (shares)	9,677	9,336	9,660	9,307
Net income (loss) per share - basic (dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.01	$0.06	($0.02)
Net income (loss) per share - diluted (dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.01	$0.06	($0.02)

Commitment_and_Contingencies_D

Commitment and Contingencies (Details) (DVA, USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Minimum	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'
Estimated additional indirect costs and fees associated with contract modification pending final approval	$0.40
Maximum	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'
Estimated additional indirect costs and fees associated with contract modification pending final approval	$0.60

Equity_and_Convertible_Debentu1

Equity and Convertible Debentures Financing (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 01, 2011	Jun. 01, 2011	Jun. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014
	Convertible debentures	Debenture Purchase Agreement	Debenture Purchase Agreement	Debenture Purchase Agreement	Debenture Purchase Agreement	Debenture Purchase Agreement	Debenture Purchase Agreement	Debenture Purchase Agreement	Debenture Purchase Agreement
				Warrant	Convertible debentures	Convertible debentures	Common Stock	Warrant	Warrant
							Convertible debentures
EQUITY AND CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES FINANCING	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate principal amount of notes issued	'	'	'	'	$350,000	'	'	'	'
Warrants issued to Debenture Purchasers (in shares)	'	'	'	53,846	'	'	'	53,846	'
Class of Warrant or Right Adjusted Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights	'	'	'	'	'	$1.25	'	'	$0.96
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	210,000	'
Shares of common stock under conversion feature	'	'	'	'	'	'	168,000	'	'
Repayments of Long-term Debt	140,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Conversion of Convertible Instruments	'	119,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (expense) recorded related to change in the fair value of financial instruments	'	'	20,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accrued liability with respect to the warrants	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$61,000	'