DLH (DLHC) 10-Q 6 May 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	DLH Holdings Corp.
Entity Central Index Key	785557
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-21
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		9,550,536

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$15,893	$14,745	$31,575	$29,222
Direct expenses	13,163	12,546	26,312	24,911
Gross margin	2,730	2,199	5,263	4,311
General and administrative expenses	2,197	1,947	4,448	3,967
Depreciation and amortization	18	27	41	53
Income from operations	515	225	774	291
Other income (expense), net	-651	-28	-687	39
Income (loss) before income taxes	-136	197	87	330
Income tax expense (benefit)	54	0	-35	0
Net income (loss)	($82)	$197	$52	$330
Net income per share, basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.01)	$0.02	$0.01	$0.03
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic (in shares)	9,588	9,603	9,595	9,548
Diluted (in shares)	9,588	9,786	10,007	9,651

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$4,222	$3,908
Accounts receivable, net	3,231	12,372
Deferred taxes, net	84	84
Other current assets	489	510
Total current assets	8,026	16,874
Equipment and improvements, net	120	63
Deferred taxes, net	4,478	4,513
Goodwill	8,595	8,595
Other long-term assets	17	27
Total assets	21,236	30,072
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accrued payroll	2,824	11,465
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities	4,332	4,746
Total current liabilities	7,156	16,211
LONG TERM LIABILITIES
Other long term liability	11	15
Total liabilities	7,167	16,226
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 9,554 at March 31, 2015 and 9,568 at September 30, 2014; outstanding 9,554 at March 31, 2015 and 9,566 at September 30, 2014	10	10
Additional paid-in capital	76,251	76,083
Accumulated deficit	-62,192	-62,244
Treasury stock, 0 shares at cost at March 31, 2015 and 3 shares at cost at September 30, 2014	0	-3
Total shareholders’ equity	14,069	13,846
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$21,236	$30,072

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
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	9,554,000	9,568,000
Common stock, outstanding shares	9,554,000	9,566,000
Treasury stock, shares	0	3,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating activities
Net income	$52	$330
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization including financing costs	41	63
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments	0	-99
Stock based compensation expense	346	295
Deferred taxes, net	35	0
Settlement of retroactive payment claim, net	629	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	165	545
Other current assets	21	-73
Other assets	0	1,030
Accounts payable, accrued payroll, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-378	-740
Other long term assets/(liabilities)	6	-3
Net cash provided by operating activities	587	258
Investing activities
Purchase of equipment and improvements	-98	-13
Net cash used in investing activities	-98	-13
Financing activities
Net payments on bank loan payable	0	-375
Proceeds from stock purchase	0	52
Repayments of capital lease obligations	0	-22
Net repayment on convertible debentures	0	-140
Repurchased shares of common stock held as treasury stock	0	-21
Repurchased shares of common stock subsequently canceled	-175	0
Net cash used in financing activities	-175	-506
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	314	-261
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,908	3,408
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	4,222	3,147
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for interest	19	106
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	0	0
Reduction of accounts receivable related to retroactive payment claim	9,306	0
Reduction of accrued payroll related to retroactive wage and benefit payments	$8,677	$0

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 ("GAAP") 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 March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2015. 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, 2014 filed on December 10, 2014.

Business_Overview

Business Overview	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 two broad integrated revenue streams: Healthcare Delivery Solutions and Logistics & Technical Services. Our customers, a majority of whom are within the Departments of Defense ("DoD") and Veterans Affairs ("DVA"), benefit from proven business process management 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 March 31, 2015 and 2014, 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% and 97% of revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In addition, substantially all accounts receivable, including unbilled accounts receivable, are from agencies of the U.S. Government as of March 31, 2015 and 2014. We believe that the credit risk associated with our receivables is limited due to the creditworthiness of these customers. See Note 5, Supporting Financial Information-Accounts Receivable.
	DLH remains dependent upon the continuation of its relationship with the DVA. As of March 31, 2015, awards from the DVA have anticipated periods of performance ranging from approximately two to up to four years. These agreements are subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulations. While there can be no assurance as to the actual amount of services that the Company will ultimately provide to the DVA under its current contracts, we believe that our strong working relationship and our effective service delivery support ongoing performance for the contract term. 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 relationship with the DVA.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance outlining a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers that supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. This guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers 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. Additionally, this guidance expands related disclosure requirements. 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 guidance.
	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 annual periods and interim periods within those periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of this guidance.
	In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance regarding management's going concern evaluations. The guidance requires management to evaluate, at each interim and annual reporting period, whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued, and provide related disclosures. The guidance is effective for all entities for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter, and early adoption is permitted. We do not believe the standard will have a material impact on our financial statement disclosures.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Reclassifications	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications may be made to the prior period financial statements to conform to the current period presentation. Such reclassifications have no effect on previously reported results of operations or accumulated deficit.

Supporting_Financial_Informati

Supporting Financial Information Supporting Financial Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Supporting Financial Information	Supporting Financial Information
	Accounts Receivable
						(in thousands)
					March 31,					September 30,
			Ref			2015					2014
	Billed receivables					$	2,695				$	2,569
	Unbilled receivables-retroactive payment claim		(a)			—					9,306
	Unbilled receivables-other					536					497
	Total unbilled receivables					536					9,803
	Total accounts receivable					3,231					12,372
	Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts		(b)			—					—
	Accounts receivable, net					$	3,231				$	12,372
	Ref (a): As previously reported, during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, DLH Holdings Corp. (the “Company”) accrued salaries and benefits of $10.1 million related to the estimated resolution of retroactive payment cases asserted by the Department of Labor (“DOL”). During the same period, the Company recognized revenues of $10.8 million related to expected recovery of these costs, plus estimated indirect costs, under contractual arrangements with the Department of Veterans Affairs (“DVA”). At September 30, 2014, the amount of the remaining accounts receivable with the DVA approximated $9.3 million and accrued liabilities for salaries to employees and related benefits totaled $8.7 million. The $9.3 million in accounts receivable was unbilled to the DVA at September 30, 2014.
	In September 2014, we submitted a claim to the DVA seeking a final determination and resolution of this matter. During the current quarter, we were advised that the DOL would not take further action with respect to the retroactive payment cases and that it would not object to the DVA’s resolution of this matter with the Company. As a result, we will not have any obligation for the payment of these accrued salaries and benefits. Because no retroactive wage payments will be required, we will not have any contractual recovery of costs from the DVA. Accordingly, in order to resolve this matter, on March 30, 2015, we entered into a mutual release of claims with the DVA, pursuant to which both parties agreed to fully release each other from any and all claims arising pursuant to this matter.
	As a result of the closure of this issue, as a part of our reporting for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, we have removed the accruals of estimated revenue and expense which were recorded in the year ended September 30, 2008. Further, we are reporting a reduction of $9.3 million in accounts receivable, a reduction of $8.7 million in accrued liabilities for salaries to employees and related benefits, and a net charge to our earnings of approximately $629 thousand the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2015 relating to the resolution of this matter. The net expense related to this issue is non-cash and not related to income from current operations.
	Ref (b): Accounts receivable are non-interest bearing, unsecured and carried at fair value, which is net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. We evaluate our receivables on a quarterly basis and determine whether an allowance is appropriate based on specific collection issues. Our allowance for doubtful accounts was zero at both March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014.
	Other Current Assets
						(in thousands)
					March 31,					September 30,
			Ref			2015					2014
	Workers’ compensation receivable		(a)			$	39				$	199
	Prepaid insurance expense					42					176
	Prepaid benefits					278					—
	Other prepaid expenses					130					135
	Other current assets					$	489				$	510
	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 $39 thousand will be received within the next twelve months.
	Equipment and improvements, net
						(in thousands)
					March 31,					September 30,
			Ref			2015					2014
	Furniture and equipment					$	139				$	139
	Computer equipment					220					126
	Computer software					434					430
	Leasehold improvements					24					24
	Total fixed assets					817					719
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization					(697		)			(656		)
	Equipment and improvements, net		(a)			$	120				$	63
	Ref (a): Equipment and improvements are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful asset lives (3 to 5) and the shorter of the initial lease term or estimated useful life for leasehold improvements. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred.
	Accrued Payroll
						(in thousands)
					March 31,					September 30,
			Ref			2015					2014
	Accrued payroll related to billed receivables					$	2,469				$	2,440
	Accrued payroll related to retroactive payment claim		(a)			—					8,677
	Accrued payroll related to unbilled accounts receivable					355					348
	Total accrued payroll related to unbilled accounts receivable					355					9,025
	Total accrued payroll					$	2,824				$	11,465
	Ref (a): Related to retroactive payment claim described above in “Accounts Receivable”.
	Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, and Other Current Liabilities
						(in thousands)
					March 31,					September 30,
			Ref			2015					2014
	Accounts payable					$	107				$	779
	Accrued benefits					863					720
	Accrued bonus and incentive compensation					353					693
	Accrued workers compensation insurance					1,233					767
	Other accrued expenses					298					339
	Payroll tax accrual		(a)			1,478					1,448
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities					$	4,332				$	4,746
	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 $659 thousand.
	Other Income (Expense)
			(in thousands)							(in thousands)
			Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
			March 31,							March 31,
	Ref	2015				2014			2015				2014
Interest expense, net		$	(25	)		$	(29	)	$	(49	)		$	(51	)
Amortization of deferred financing costs		—				—			—				(10		)
Change in value of financial instruments	(a)	—				—			—				99
Miscellaneous other income (expense), net	(b)	(626		)		1			(638		)		1
Other income (expense), net		(651		)		(28		)	(687		)		39
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. See Note 12 regarding maturity and closure of the convertible debentures.
Ref (b): Current fiscal year activity reflects $629 thousand charge related to retroactive payment claim described above in “Accounts Receivable.”

Liquidity

Liquidity	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Liquidity	Liquidity
	At March 31, 2015, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $4.2 million, net working capital of approximately $0.9 million, and an accumulated deficit of approximately $(62) million. For the six months ended March 31, 2015, the Company realized operating income of approximately $774 thousand and net income of approximately $52 thousand, as compared to operating income and net income of $291 thousand and $330 thousand respectively for the six months ended March 31, 2014.
	The Company has a credit facility with a lending institution which provides a maximum amount of $6 million. The current term of the credit facility expires on July 29, 2015 and thereafter shall automatically renew on each anniversary date thereof for subsequent twelve month terms unless terminated by either party. Presently, the maximum availability under this loan facility is $3 million, subject to eligible accounts receivable.  The interest rate on both the Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Accounts portion of the loan was 4.0% at March 31, 2015, and September 30, 2014.  At March 31, 2015, our unused loan availability was approximately $2.6 million, comprised of a $1.4 million letter of credit reserve and $1.2 million of unused loan capacity. DLH required no borrowing on the credit facility during second quarter ended March 31, 2015.
	Management believes, at present, that: (a) cash and cash equivalents of approximately $4.2 million as of March 31, 2015; (b) the amount available under its line of credit (which is limited to the amount of eligible assets); and (c) planned operating cash flow 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	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	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, valuation allowances established against accounts receivable and deferred tax assets, and measurement of loss development on workers’ compensation claims. 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, 2014, 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, 2014. 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 six months ended March 31, 2015, 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 Income. 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. We account for uncertain tax positions by recognizing the financial statement effects of a tax position only when, based upon the technical merits, it is "more-likely-than-not" that the position will be sustained upon examination. We had no uncertain tax positions at either March 31, 2015 and 2014. We report interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense. In the fiscal quarters ending March 31, 2015 and 2014, we recognized no interest and no penalties related to income taxes.
	The Company has adequate net operating loss carryforwards to offset against any taxable income in the current period. The Company has deferred tax assets before valuation allowance of $15.7 million and $15.7 million as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. We have recorded a valuation allowance of $11.1 million as of March 31, 2015 and $11.1 million on September 30, 2014. Tax years open for examination are 2011 and forward.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. We maintain cash balances at financial institutions that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000.  Deposits held with financial institutions may exceed the $250,000 limit.

Stockbased_Compensatin_Equity_

Stock-based Compensatin, Equity Grants, and Warrants	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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
	All grants of equity are presently made under the 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan. As of March 31, 2015, 0.9 million shares remained available for grant under the Plan. Options issued under the Plan are designated as either an incentive stock or a non-statutory stock option. No option may be granted with a term of more than 10 years from the date of grant. Exercisability of option awards may depend on achievement of certain performance measures determined by the Compensation Committee of our Board. Shares issued upon option exercise are newly issued shares.
	Stock-based compensation expense, shown in the table below, is recorded in general and administrative expenses included in our statement of income:
			(in thousands)						(in thousands)
			Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		Ref	March 31,						March 31,
			2015			2014			2015		2014
	DLH employees		$	72		$	78		$	169	$	186
	Non-employee directors	(a)	—			—			177		109
	Total compensation expense		$	72		$	78		$	346	$	295
	Ref (a): Equity grants of restricted stock, in accordance with DLH compensation policy for non-employee directors. The shares vested immediately and stock expense was recognized accordingly.
	Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense
			(in thousands)
			Six Months Ended
			March 31,
		Ref	2015			2014
	Unrecognized expense for DLH employees	(a)	$	177		$	273
	Unrecognized expense for non-employee directors	(b)	125			150
	Total unrecognized expense		$	302		$	423
	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 has been 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-employee directors, based on performance criteria, in accordance with DLH compensation policy for non-employee directors. The shares will vest and expense will be recorded upon future satisfaction of specified performance.
	Stock option activity for the six months ended March 31, 2015
	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, 2014		2,380		$1.40		7.81	$	1,589
	Granted		—		—
	Canceled	(a)	(44	)	$1.40
	Options outstanding, March 31, 2015		2,336		$1.40		7.29	$	1,587
	Ref (a): Shares canceled upon termination of employment or expiration of period to complete performance conditions.
	Stock options shares outstanding, vested and unvested for the period ended
			(in thousands)
			Number of Shares
			March 31,
		Ref	2015		2014
	Vested and exercisable		968		463
	Unvested	(a)	1,368		1,692
	Options outstanding		2,336		2,155
	Ref (a): Certain awards vest upon satisfaction of certain performance criteria.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014 does not differ materially from the aggregate carrying values of these financial instruments recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings (Loss) Per Share
	Basic earnings 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 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					Six Months Ended
		March 31,					March 31,
		2015			2014		2015		2014
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	(82	)	$	197	$	52	$	330
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share - weighted-average outstanding shares	9,588			9,603		9,595		9,548
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options and restricted stock	—			183		412		103
	Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share - weighted-average outstanding shares	9,588			9,786		10,007		9,651
	Net income (loss) per share - basic	$	(0.01	)	$	0.02	$	0.01	$	0.03
	Net income (loss) per share - diluted	$	(0.01	)	$	0.02	$	0.01	$	0.03

Commitment_and_Contingencies

Commitment and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:	Commitments and Contingencies
	Contractual Obligations
				Payments Due By Period
	Obligations			Less than		3-Jan
	(Amounts in thousands)	Total		1 Year		Years
	Loan Payable (1)	$	—	$	—	$	—
	Operating Leases	216		100		116
	Total Obligations	$	216	$	100	$	116
	(1)     Represents the amounts recorded in respect of the loan payable due to Presidential Financial Corporation in accordance with the loan agreement. As of March 31, 2015 there were no outstanding amounts.
	Workers Compensation
	We accrue workers compensation expense based on claims submitted, applying actuarial loss development factors to estimate the costs incurred but not yet recorded. Our accrued liability for claims development for the periods ended March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014 was $1.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
	Legal Proceedings
	As a commercial enterprise and employer, the Company is subject to various claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of business. These matters can include professional liability, employment-relations issues, workers’ compensation, tax, payroll and employee-related matters, other commercial disputes arising in the course of its business, and inquiries and investigations by governmental agencies regarding our employment practices or other matters. The Company is not aware of any pending or threatened litigation that it believes is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Equity_and_Convertible_Debentu

Equity and Convertible Debentures Financing	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Equity and Convertible Debentures Financing	Equity and Convertible Debentures Financing
	Repurchases of Securities
	On September 18, 2013, the Company announced that our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program (the Program) under which we could repurchase up to $350 thousand of shares of our common stock through open market transactions in compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b-18, privately negotiated transactions, or other means. This repurchase program does not have an expiration date.
	During fiscal second quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company repurchased a total of 76,600 shares of its common stock pursuant to a trading plan entered into by the Company in September 2013. As of March 31, 2015 there is a total of $85 thousand remaining for repurchases under the program.
	The following table provides certain information with respect to the status of our publicly announced stock repurchase program as of second quarter ended March 31, 2015:
	Period	Total Number	Average Price		Total Number of		($ in thousands) Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan or Program
		of Shares	Paid Per Share		Shares Purchased As Part of Publicly
		Purchased			Announced Programs
	First quarter total	1,353	$	1.98		1,353		$	256
	Jan-15	1,600	$	2.01		1,600		$	253
	Feb-15	75,000	$	2.25		75,000		$	85
	Mar-15	—	$	—		—		$	85
	Second quarter total	76,600	$	2.25		76,600		$	85
	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 gain of $119 thousand was recognized, which represented the change in the fair value of the derivative immediately prior to conversion. 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	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events:
	On April 6, 2015, the National Labor Relations Board affirmed the October 2014 election process in which employees at our Chicago location adopted union representation for non-management employees.    The certification of the union and collective bargaining have not yet occurred but are expected to occur shortly.  Management does not expect this event to materially impact results of operations in the future.
	On April 27, 2015, the Company entered into a lease agreement (the “Lease”) with Piedmont Center, 1-4 LLC (the “Landlord”) for the premises known as Suite 700 at Three Piedmont Center, 3565 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30305. The rentable floor area of the demised premises is 12,275 square feet. The Lease expires 8.7 years following the “Rental Commencement Date”. The Rental Commencement Date will occur when the Landlord has substantially completed the build-out of the demised premises, including any tenant improvements. The Company currently expects the Rent Commencement Date to occur, and occupation of the demised premises to begin, during August 2015.
	The Company will pay monthly base rental payments for the demised premises in the amount of $251,637.50 per annum (or $20,969.79 per month) during the first year of the lease. The base rent due under the Lease shall increase yearly based on an agreed-upon annual rate of increase and in the final year of the Lease, the monthly base rental payment will be $306,629.50 per annum (or $25,552.46 per month).
	Provided that the Company complies with its obligations under the Lease, the Landlord will excuse a total $265,209.99 in rent due during the initial two (2) years of the Lease term. The monthly rent payments under the Lease include estimated operating expenses and real estate taxes, as such terms are defined in the Lease. However, the Company will make an additional payment each year if actual operating expenses exceed the Landlord’s estimate.
	The Company has a right, at its option and subject to the terms of the Lease, to extend the term of the Lease for one (1) five year period at a market rate. In addition, the Landlord has agreed to provide the Company with a right of first refusal to lease additional space if the Landlord desires to lease a portion of certain adjacent premises.
	On April 29, 2015, the Company entered into an extension agreement (the “Extension”) with Zachary C. Parker, its Chief Executive Officer and President, which provides for a 1 year extension of the term of his current employment agreement. Pursuant to the Extension, the Company and Mr. Parker agreed to extend the term of his current employment agreement from September 30, 2015 to the new expiration date of September 30, 2016. Pursuant to the Extension, and as contemplated by the Company’s current employment agreement with Mr. Parker, the Company agreed to pay a $50,000 cash bonus to Mr. Parker. Other than as modified by the Extension, the provisions of Mr. Parker’s current employment agreement remain in full force and effect.
	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 other subsequent events have occurred which require disclosure through the date that these financial statements were issued.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, valuation allowances established against accounts receivable and deferred tax assets, and measurement of loss development on workers’ compensation claims. 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, 2014, 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, 2014. 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 six months ended March 31, 2015, 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 Income. 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. We account for uncertain tax positions by recognizing the financial statement effects of a tax position only when, based upon the technical merits, it is "more-likely-than-not" that the position will be sustained upon examination. We had no uncertain tax positions at either March 31, 2015 and 2014. We report interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense. In the fiscal quarters ending March 31, 2015 and 2014, we recognized no interest and no penalties related to income taxes.
	The Company has adequate net operating loss carryforwards to offset against any taxable income in the current period. The Company has deferred tax assets before valuation allowance of $15.7 million and $15.7 million as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. We have recorded a valuation allowance of $11.1 million as of March 31, 2015 and $11.1 million on September 30, 2014. Tax years open for examination are 2011 and forward.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. We maintain cash balances at financial institutions that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000.  Deposits held with financial institutions may exceed the $250,000 limit.

Supporting_Financial_Informati1

Supporting Financial Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable
						(in thousands)
					March 31,					September 30,
			Ref			2015					2014
	Billed receivables					$	2,695				$	2,569
	Unbilled receivables-retroactive payment claim		(a)			—					9,306
	Unbilled receivables-other					536					497
	Total unbilled receivables					536					9,803
	Total accounts receivable					3,231					12,372
	Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts		(b)			—					—
	Accounts receivable, net					$	3,231				$	12,372
	Ref (a): As previously reported, during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, DLH Holdings Corp. (the “Company”) accrued salaries and benefits of $10.1 million related to the estimated resolution of retroactive payment cases asserted by the Department of Labor (“DOL”). During the same period, the Company recognized revenues of $10.8 million related to expected recovery of these costs, plus estimated indirect costs, under contractual arrangements with the Department of Veterans Affairs (“DVA”). At September 30, 2014, the amount of the remaining accounts receivable with the DVA approximated $9.3 million and accrued liabilities for salaries to employees and related benefits totaled $8.7 million. The $9.3 million in accounts receivable was unbilled to the DVA at September 30, 2014.
	In September 2014, we submitted a claim to the DVA seeking a final determination and resolution of this matter. During the current quarter, we were advised that the DOL would not take further action with respect to the retroactive payment cases and that it would not object to the DVA’s resolution of this matter with the Company. As a result, we will not have any obligation for the payment of these accrued salaries and benefits. Because no retroactive wage payments will be required, we will not have any contractual recovery of costs from the DVA. Accordingly, in order to resolve this matter, on March 30, 2015, we entered into a mutual release of claims with the DVA, pursuant to which both parties agreed to fully release each other from any and all claims arising pursuant to this matter.
	As a result of the closure of this issue, as a part of our reporting for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, we have removed the accruals of estimated revenue and expense which were recorded in the year ended September 30, 2008. Further, we are reporting a reduction of $9.3 million in accounts receivable, a reduction of $8.7 million in accrued liabilities for salaries to employees and related benefits, and a net charge to our earnings of approximately $629 thousand the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2015 relating to the resolution of this matter. The net expense related to this issue is non-cash and not related to income from current operations.
	Ref (b): Accounts receivable are non-interest bearing, unsecured and carried at fair value, which is net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. We evaluate our receivables on a quarterly basis and determine whether an allowance is appropriate based on specific collection issues. Our allowance for doubtful accounts was zero at both March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014.
Schedule of Other Current Assets	Other Current Assets
						(in thousands)
					March 31,					September 30,
			Ref			2015					2014
	Workers’ compensation receivable		(a)			$	39				$	199
	Prepaid insurance expense					42					176
	Prepaid benefits					278					—
	Other prepaid expenses					130					135
	Other current assets					$	489				$	510
	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 $39 thousand will be received within the next twelve months.
Equipment and Improvemnts, Net	Equipment and improvements, net
						(in thousands)
					March 31,					September 30,
			Ref			2015					2014
	Furniture and equipment					$	139				$	139
	Computer equipment					220					126
	Computer software					434					430
	Leasehold improvements					24					24
	Total fixed assets					817					719
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization					(697		)			(656		)
	Equipment and improvements, net		(a)			$	120				$	63
	Ref (a): Equipment and improvements are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful asset lives (3 to 5) and the shorter of the initial lease term or estimated useful life for leasehold improvements. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred.
Accrued Payroll	Accrued Payroll
						(in thousands)
					March 31,					September 30,
			Ref			2015					2014
	Accrued payroll related to billed receivables					$	2,469				$	2,440
	Accrued payroll related to retroactive payment claim		(a)			—					8,677
	Accrued payroll related to unbilled accounts receivable					355					348
	Total accrued payroll related to unbilled accounts receivable					355					9,025
	Total accrued payroll					$	2,824				$	11,465
	Ref (a): Related to retroactive payment claim described above in “Accounts Receivable”.
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, and Other Current Liabilities	Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, and Other Current Liabilities
						(in thousands)
					March 31,					September 30,
			Ref			2015					2014
	Accounts payable					$	107				$	779
	Accrued benefits					863					720
	Accrued bonus and incentive compensation					353					693
	Accrued workers compensation insurance					1,233					767
	Other accrued expenses					298					339
	Payroll tax accrual		(a)			1,478					1,448
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities					$	4,332				$	4,746
	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 $659 thousand.
Other Income (Expense)	Other Income (Expense)
			(in thousands)							(in thousands)
			Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
			March 31,							March 31,
		Ref	2015				2014			2015				2014
	Interest expense, net		$	(25	)		$	(29	)	$	(49	)		$	(51	)
	Amortization of deferred financing costs		—				—			—				(10		)
	Change in value of financial instruments	(a)	—				—			—				99
	Miscellaneous other income (expense), net	(b)	(626		)		1			(638		)		1
	Other income (expense), net		(651		)		(28		)	(687		)		39
	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. See Note 12 regarding maturity and closure of the convertible debentures.
	Ref (b): Current fiscal year activity reflects $629 thousand charge related to retroactive payment claim described above in “Accounts Receivable.”

Stockbased_Compensation_Equity

Stock-based Compensation, Equity Grants, and Warrants (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based Compensation Expense	Stock-based compensation expense
	All grants of equity are presently made under the 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan. As of March 31, 2015, 0.9 million shares remained available for grant under the Plan. Options issued under the Plan are designated as either an incentive stock or a non-statutory stock option. No option may be granted with a term of more than 10 years from the date of grant. Exercisability of option awards may depend on achievement of certain performance measures determined by the Compensation Committee of our Board. Shares issued upon option exercise are newly issued shares.
	Stock-based compensation expense, shown in the table below, is recorded in general and administrative expenses included in our statement of income:
			(in thousands)						(in thousands)
			Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		Ref	March 31,						March 31,
			2015			2014			2015		2014
	DLH employees		$	72		$	78		$	169	$	186
	Non-employee directors	(a)	—			—			177		109
	Total compensation expense		$	72		$	78		$	346	$	295
	Ref (a): Equity grants of restricted stock, in accordance with DLH compensation policy for non-employee directors. The shares vested immediately and stock expense was recognized accordingly.
	Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense
			(in thousands)
			Six Months Ended
			March 31,
		Ref	2015			2014
	Unrecognized expense for DLH employees	(a)	$	177		$	273
	Unrecognized expense for non-employee directors	(b)	125			150
	Total unrecognized expense		$	302		$	423
	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 has been 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-employee directors, based on performance criteria, in accordance with DLH compensation policy for non-employee directors. The shares will vest and expense will be recorded upon future satisfaction of specified performance.
Stock Option Activity	Stock option activity for the six months ended March 31, 2015
	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, 2014		2,380		$1.40		7.81	$	1,589
	Granted		—		—
	Canceled	(a)	(44	)	$1.40
	Options outstanding, March 31, 2015		2,336		$1.40		7.29	$	1,587
	Ref (a): Shares canceled upon termination of employment or expiration of period to complete performance conditions.
Stock Option Shares Outstanding, Vested and Expected to Vest	Stock options shares outstanding, vested and unvested for the period ended
			(in thousands)
			Number of Shares
			March 31,
		Ref	2015		2014
	Vested and exercisable		968		463
	Unvested	(a)	1,368		1,692
	Options outstanding		2,336		2,155
	Ref (a): Certain awards vest upon satisfaction of certain performance criteria.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Diluted earnings per share	Earnings (Loss) Per Share
	Basic earnings 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 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					Six Months Ended
		March 31,					March 31,
		2015			2014		2015		2014
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	(82	)	$	197	$	52	$	330
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share - weighted-average outstanding shares	9,588			9,603		9,595		9,548
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options and restricted stock	—			183		412		103
	Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share - weighted-average outstanding shares	9,588			9,786		10,007		9,651
	Net income (loss) per share - basic	$	(0.01	)	$	0.02	$	0.01	$	0.03
	Net income (loss) per share - diluted	$	(0.01	)	$	0.02	$	0.01	$	0.03

Commitment_and_Contingencies_T

Commitment and Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block]	Contractual Obligations
				Payments Due By Period
	Obligations			Less than		3-Jan
	(Amounts in thousands)	Total		1 Year		Years
	Loan Payable (1)	$	—	$	—	$	—
	Operating Leases	216		100		116
	Total Obligations	$	216	$	100	$	116
	(1)     Represents the amounts recorded in respect of the loan payable due to Presidential Financial Corporation in accordance with the loan agreement. As of March 31, 2015 there were no outstanding amounts.

Business_Overview_Details

Business Overview (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
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
Minimum number of locations in which entity operates (location)	25
Number of broad integrated revenue streams	2
US Government [Member] | Revenue concentration | Customer concentration
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage (percent)	100.00%	100.00%
DVA | Revenue concentration | Customer concentration
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage (percent)	96.00%	97.00%
DVA | Minimum
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Term of government contract	2 years
DVA | Maximum
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Term of government contract	4 years

Supporting_Financial_Informati2

Supporting Financial Information - Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2008	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total accounts receivable	$3,231,000		$3,231,000			$12,372,000
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	0		0			0
Accounts Receivable, Net	3,231,000		3,231,000			12,372,000
Revenue	15,893,000	14,745,000	31,575,000	29,222,000
Reduction of accrued payroll related to retroactive wage and benefit payments			8,677,000	0
Settlement of retroactive payment claim, net			-629,000	0
Billed Receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total accounts receivable	2,695,000		2,695,000			2,569,000
Unbilled Receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total accounts receivable	536,000		536,000			9,803,000
DVA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Contract revenue nonrecurring					10,800,000
Department of Labor | Unfavorable Regulatory Action
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision					10,100,000
Employee-related Liabilities, Accrued Payroll Attributable to Retroactive Payment Cases	0		0			8,677,000
Reduction of accrued payroll related to retroactive wage and benefit payments	8,700,000
Settlement of retroactive payment claim, net	-629,000
Department of Labor | Unfavorable Regulatory Action | Unbilled Receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total accounts receivable	0		0			9,306,000
Accrued Income Receivable | Unbilled Receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total accounts receivable	$536,000		$536,000			$497,000

Supporting_Financial_Informati3

Supporting Financial Information - Other Current Assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Workers’ compensation receivable	$39	$199
Prepaid insurance expense	42	176
Prepaid Employee Benefits	278	0
Other prepaid expenses	130	135
Other current assets	$489	$510

Supporting_Financial_Informati4

Supporting Financial Information - Equipment and Improvements, net (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Furniture and equipment	139	$139
Computer equipment	220	126
Computer software	434	430
Leasehold improvements	24	24
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	817	719
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-697	-656
Equipment and improvements, net	120	$63
Minimum | Leasehold Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Maximum | Leasehold Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years

Supporting_Financial_Informati5

Supporting Financial Information - Accrued Payroll (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accrued payroll related to billed receivables	$2,469	$2,440
Accrued payroll related to unbilled accounts receivable	355	348
Total accrued payroll related to unbilled accounts receivable	355	9,025
Accrued payroll	2,824	11,465
Department of Labor | Unfavorable Regulatory Action
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accrued payroll related to retroactive payment claim	$0	$8,677

Supporting_Financial_Informati6

Supporting Financial Information - Accounts Payable, Accrued Expense and Other Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$107	$779
Accrued benefits	863	720
Accrued bonus and incentive compensation	353	693
Accrued workers compensation insurance	1,233	767
Other accrued expenses	298	339
Payroll tax accrual	1,478	1,448
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	4,332	4,746
Accrued interest and penalties	$659

Supporting_Financial_Informati7

Supporting Financial Information - Other Income (Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest expense, net	($25)	($29)	($49)	($51)
Amortization of deferred financing costs	0	0	0	-10
Change in value of financial instruments	0	0	0	99
Miscellaneous other income (expense), net	-626	1	-638	1
Other income (expense) net	-651	-28	-687	39
Settlement of retroactive payment claim, net			-629	0
Unfavorable Regulatory Action | Department of Labor
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Settlement of retroactive payment claim, net	($629)

Liquidity_Details

Liquidity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$4,222,000	$3,147,000	$4,222,000	$3,147,000	$3,908,000	$3,408,000
Net working capital	900,000		900,000
Accumulated deficit	-62,192,000		-62,192,000		-62,244,000
Operating income	515,000	225,000	774,000	291,000
Net income	-82,000	197,000	52,000	330,000
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount of unused availability under the line	2,600,000		2,600,000
Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum availability	6,000,000		6,000,000
Amount of unused availability under the line	1,200,000		1,200,000
Accounts receivables
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum availability	3,000,000		3,000,000
Interest rate (percent)					4.00%
Unbilled receivables
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate (percent)					4.00%
Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount of unused availability under the line	$1,400,000		$1,400,000

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill, Income Taxes, and Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$8,595,000	$8,595,000
Deferred tax assets	15,700,000	15,700,000
Valuation allowance	-11,100,000	-11,100,000
Cash, FDIC Insured Amount	$250,000

Stockbased_Compensation_Equity1

Stock-based Compensation, Equity Grants, and Warrants - Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total compensation expense	$72	$78	$346	$295
Total unrecognized expense	302	423	302	423
DLH Employees
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total unrecognized expense	177	273	177	273
Non-employee Directors
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total unrecognized expense	125	150	125	150
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | DLH Employees
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total compensation expense	72	78	169	186
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	$177	$109
Long Term Incentive Plan 2006 | Employee Stock Option
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Number of shares available for grant	0.9		0.9
Expiration term			10 years

Stockbased_Compensation_Equity2

Stock-based Compensation, Equity Grants, and Warrants - Stock Option Activity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Number of Shares
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)		2,380	2,155
Granted (in shares)		0
Cancelled (in shares)		-44
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	2,380	2,336	2,155
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)		$1.40
Granted (in dollars per share)		$0
Cancelled (in dollars per share)		$1.40
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$1.40	$1.40
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at the beginning of the period	7 years 9 months 22 days	7 years 3 months 15 days
Outstanding at the end of the period	7 years 9 months 22 days	7 years 3 months 15 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars)		$1,589
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars)	$1,589	$1,587

Stockbased_Compensation_Equity3

Stock-based Compensation, Equity Grants, and Warrants - Stock Options Outstanding, Vested and Unvested (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Vested and exercisable	968		463
Unvested	1,368		1,692
Option outstanding	2,336	2,380	2,155

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Numerator [Abstract]
Net income	($82)	$197	$52	$330
Denominator [Abstract]
Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share - weighted-average outstanding shares (shares)	9,588	9,603	9,595	9,548
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted stock (shares)	0	183	412	103
Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share - weighted-average outstanding shares (shares)	9,588	9,786	10,007	9,651
Net income (loss) per share - basic (dollars per share)	($0.01)	$0.02	$0.01	$0.03
Net income (loss) per share - diluted (dollars per share)	($0.01)	$0.02	$0.01	$0.03

Commitment_and_Contingencies_D

Commitment and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$0
Long-term Debt, Less than 1 Year	0
Long-term Debt, 1-3 Years	0
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	216
Operating Leases, Less than 1 Year	100
Operating Leases, 1-3 Years	116
Contractual Obligation	216
Contractual Obligation, Less than 1 Year	100
Contractual Obligation, 1-3 Years	116
Accrued workers compensation insurance	$1,233	$767

Equity_and_Convertible_Debentu1

Equity and Convertible Debentures Financing - Repurchase of Securities (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 18, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount						$350,000
($ in thousands) Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan or Program	$85,000	$85,000	$253,000	$85,000	$256,000
Shares purchased (in shares)	0	75,000	1,600	76,600	1,353
Average Price Paid Per Share	$0	$2.25	$2.01	$2.25	$1.98

Equity_and_Convertible_Debentu2

Equity and Convertible Debentures Financing (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Jun. 01, 2011
Convertible debentures
EQUITY AND CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES FINANCING
Repayments of Long-term Debt	$140,000
Debenture Purchase Agreement
EQUITY AND CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES FINANCING
Gain (Loss) on Conversion of Convertible Instruments		119,000
Income (expense) recorded related to change in the fair value of financial instruments			20,000
Debenture Purchase Agreement | Warrant
EQUITY AND CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES FINANCING
Warrants issued to Debenture Purchasers (in shares)				53,846
Debenture Purchase Agreement | Convertible debentures
EQUITY AND CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES FINANCING
Aggregate principal amount of notes issued				350,000
Class of Warrant or Right Adjusted Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights				$1.25
Debenture Purchase Agreement | Common Stock | Convertible debentures
EQUITY AND CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES FINANCING
Shares of common stock under conversion feature		168,000
Debenture Purchase Agreement | Warrant
EQUITY AND CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES FINANCING
Warrants issued to Debenture Purchasers (in shares)		53,846
Class of Warrant or Right Adjusted Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights				$0.96
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	210,000
Accrued liability with respect to the warrants		$61,000

Subsequent_Events_Subsequent_E

Subsequent Events Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Apr. 27, 2015	Apr. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2024
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	12,275
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	8 years 8 months 12 days
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	$251,637.50
Operating Leases, Rent Expenses Per Month, Net	20,969.79
Operating Lease, Rent Expense Excused	265,209.99
Leesee Leasing Arrangement, Operating Leases, Term of Excused Rent	2 years
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term	5 years
Subsequent Event [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Employment Agreement with Chief Financial Officer Initial Term		1 year
Officers' Compensation		50,000
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net			306,629.50
Operating Leases, Rent Expenses Per Month, Net			$25,552.46