DLH (DLHC) 10-Q 10 Aug 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jul. 31, 2016
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	DLH Holdings Corp.
Entity Central Index Key	785,557
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
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		10,406,547

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Document Fiscal Year Focus			2,016
Revenue	$ 24,989	$ 16,781	$ 58,482	$ 48,357
Direct expenses	19,533	13,743	46,885	40,055
Gross margin	5,456	3,038	11,597	8,302
General and administrative expenses	3,374	2,270	8,402	6,719
Depreciation and amortization expense	414	5	456	45
Income from operations	1,668	763	2,739	1,538
Total other income (expense), net	(374)	(34)	(1,076)	(723)
Income before income taxes	1,294	729	1,663	815
Income tax expense	518	292	666	326
Net income	$ 776	$ 437	$ 997	$ 489
Net income per share, basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.08	$ 0.05	$ 0.10	$ 0.05
Net income (loss) per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.04	$ 0.09	$ 0.05
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic (in shares)	10,154	9,552	9,812	9,580
Diluted (in shares)	11,311	9,956	10,855	9,990

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,820	$ 5,558
Accounts receivable, net	7,276	3,286
Deferred taxes, net	982	982
Other current assets	1,299	429
Total current assets	12,377	10,255
Equipment and improvements, net	691	336
Deferred taxes, net	8,872	9,325
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	43,009	8,595
Other long-term assets	161	113
Total assets	65,110	28,624
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Loans Payable, Current	4,363	0
Derivative Liability, Current	177	0
Accrued payroll	3,763	2,795
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities	7,716	2,851
Total current liabilities	16,019	5,646
LONG TERM LIABILITIES
Long-term Debt	22,178	0
Other long term liability	150	109
Total liabilities	38,347	5,755
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 and outstanding 10,407 at June 30, 2016 and 9,551 at September 30, 2015	10	10
Additional paid-in capital	79,272	76,375
Accumulated deficit	(52,519)	(53,516)
Total shareholders’ equity	26,763	22,869
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$ 65,110	$ 28,624

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.1	$ 0.1
Preferred stock, authorized shares	5,000	5,000
Preferred stock, issued shares	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding shares	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, authorized shares	40,000	40,000
Common stock, issued shares	10,407	9,551
Common stock, outstanding shares	10,407	9,551

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Operating activities
Net income	$ 997	$ 489
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	507	45
Non-cash equity grants	384	418
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property	(3)	0
Deferred taxes, net	453	326
Settlement of retroactive payment claim, net	0	629
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	(3,990)	(13)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(870)	91
Accounts payable, accrued payroll, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	5,833	(782)
Other long term assets/liabilities	63	(21)
Net cash from operating activities	3,380	1,182
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	(32,266)	0
Investing activities
Purchase of equipment and improvements	(462)	(169)
Net cash from investing activities	(32,728)	(169)
Financing activities
Repayments of capital lease obligations	(70)	0
Repurchased shares of common stock subsequently canceled	0	(175)
Net cash from financing activities	26,610	(183)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(2,738)	830
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	5,558	3,908
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2,820	4,738
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for interest		27
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	105	0
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Notes Payable	25,500	0
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	2,500	0
Proceeds from Warrant Exercises	(1,333)	0
Repayments of Convertible Debt	13	0
Payments for Repurchase of Treasury Stock	0	8
Equity consideration transfered	$ 2,500	$ 0

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 June 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2016 . 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, 2015 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 16, 2015 .

Business Overview

Business Overview	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business Overview	Business Overview DLH is a full-service provider of professional healthcare and social services to government agencies including the Department of Veteran Affairs ("VA"), Department of Health and Human Services ("HHS"), Department of Defense ("DoD"), and other government agencies. 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 3565 Piedmont Road NE, Building 3 Suite 700, Atlanta Georgia 30305. We employ over 1,400 skilled employees working in more than 30 locations throughout the United States. On May 3, 2016, DLH acquired Danya International, LLC (“Danya”) which provides technology-enabled program management, consulting, and digital communications solutions to federal government and other customers. We acquired Danya to expand our ability to provide complementary business services and offerings across government markets. This acquisition is in line with our strategic growth initiatives, and we intend to continue to review and position ourselves for other potential joint venture or strategic acquisition opportunities in the future. The Company operates as a single business segment. The foundations of our business offerings are now focused on three primary sources of revenue within the Federal health services market space, as follows: • Department of Defense and veteran health services, comprising approximately 54% of our current business base; • Human services and solutions, approximately 41% of our current business base; and • Public health and life sciences, approximately 5% of our current business base. Presently, the Company derives 100% of its revenue from agencies of the Federal government, primarily as a prime contractor but also as a subcontractor to other Federal prime contractors. A major customer is defined as a customer from whom the Company derives at least 10% of its revenues. Our largest customer continues to be the VA, which comprised approximately 83% and 95% of revenue for the nine months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Additionally, HHS represents a major customer, comprising 13% of revenue for the nine months ended June 30, 2016 following the Danya acquisition. In addition, substantially all accounts receivable, including unbilled accounts receivable, are from agencies of the U.S. Government as of June 30, 2016 and 2015. We believe that the credit risk associated with our receivables is limited due to the creditworthiness of these customers. See Note 4, Supporting Financial Information-Accounts Receivable. As of June 30, 2016, awards from VA and HHS have anticipated periods of performance ranging from approximately one 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 VA and HHS under its current contracts, we believe that our strong working relationships 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 VA and HHS.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 FASB has continued to issue periodic updates to this guidance, to further define the application of the changes. Public business entities should apply the guidance to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. 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. In March 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance intended to simplify various aspects related to how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in the financial statements. The amendments in this update affect all entities that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is evaluating the impact of this guidance. In September 2015, the FASB issued guidance regarding business combinations for which the accounting is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, and during the measurement period have an adjustment to provisional amounts recognized. To simplify the accounting for adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination, the amendments in this update eliminate the requirement to retrospectively account for those adjustments. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments should be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date of this update, with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. This standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, and requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. Current guidance requires an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in a classified statement of financial position. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Earlier application is permitted for all entities as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The amendments may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is evaluating the timing and method of applying this update. In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance intended to improve financial reporting for leasing transactions with a lease term of more than 12 months. The new guidance will require organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flow arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP - which requires only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet, the new guidance will require both types of leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. The standard is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition, and provides for certain practical expedients. Transition will require application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. The Company is evaluating the impact of this guidance.

Supporting Financial Informatio

Supporting Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Supporting Financial Information	Supporting Financial Information Accounts receivable (in thousands) June 30, September 30, Ref 2016 2015 Billed receivables $ 6,117 $ 2,498 Unbilled receivables 1,159 788 Total accounts receivable 7,276 3,286 Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts (a) — — Accounts receivable, net $ 7,276 $ 3,286 Ref (a): 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 June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 . Other current assets (in thousands) June 30, September 30, Ref 2016 2015 Prepaid insurance and benefits $ 227 $ 156 Due from seller, net working capital adjustment 452 — Other prepaid expenses 620 273 Other current assets $ 1,299 $ 429 Equipment and improvements, net (in thousands) June 30, September 30, Ref 2016 2015 Furniture and equipment $ 217 $ 197 Computer equipment 469 162 Computer software 404 297 Leasehold improvements 66 63 Total fixed assets 1,156 719 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (465 ) (383 ) Equipment and improvements, net (a) $ 691 $ 336 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 7 ) 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) June 30, September 30, Ref 2016 2015 Accrued payroll related to billed receivables $ 2,980 $ 2,259 Accrued payroll related to unbilled accounts receivable 783 536 Total accrued payroll $ 3,763 $ 2,795 Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities (in thousands) June 30, September 30, Ref 2016 2015 Accounts payable $ 2,983 $ 87 Accrued benefits 1,152 267 Accrued bonus and incentive compensation 160 858 Accrued workers compensation insurance 805 945 Other accrued expenses 2,616 694 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities (a) $ 7,716 $ 2,851 Debt obligations (in thousands) June 30, September 30, Ref 2016 2015 Bank revolving line of credit $ 813 $ — Bank term loan 24,687 — Gross bank debt obligations 25,500 — Less unamortized debt issuance costs (1,288 ) — Net bank debt obligation (a) 24,212 — Less current portion of bank debt obligations (4,363 ) — Long term portion of bank debt obligation 19,849 — Subordinated debt 2,500 — Less unamortized debt issuance costs (171 ) — Net subordinated debt (b) 2,329 — Total long term debt obligations $ 22,178 $ — Ref (a): Maturity of the net bank debt obligation is as follows: Year 1 $ 4,363 $ — Year 2 3,555 — Year 3 3,555 — Year 4 3,555 — Year 5 9,184 — Total net bank debt obligation $ 24,212 $ — Ref (b): Required maturity of the subordinated debt is beyond 5 years. Other Income (Expense) (in thousands) (in thousands) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended June 30, June 30, Ref 2016 2015 2016 2015 Interest income (expense), net (a) $ (206 ) $ (23 ) $ (206 ) $ (72 ) Amortization of deferred financing costs (b) (50 ) — (50 ) — Other income (expense), net (c) (25 ) (11 ) (25 ) (651 ) Acquisition expense (d) (93 ) — (795 ) — Total other income (expense), net $ (374 ) $ (34 ) $ (1,076 ) $ (723 ) Ref (a): Interest expense on borrowing related to acquisition of Danya Ref (b): Amortizations of expenses related to securing financing to acquire Danya Ref (c): Prior year reflects a one-time charge related to settlement of the retroactive payment claim in March 2015. Ref (d): Reflects non-operational expenses related to the acquisition Danya

Credit Facilities

Credit Facilities	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit Facilities	Credit Facilities On May 3, 2016, the Company acquired 100% of the equity interests of Dayna International, LLC. We financed the acquisition, in part, through a combination of borrowings of $30.0 million under our new credit facility with Fifth Third Bank, and $2.5 million from a subordinated loan arrangement with Wynnefield Capital. Concurrent with these new lending arrangements, we terminated any existing credit facilities that DLH or its acquired subsidiary had in place. A summary of our loan facilities and subordinated debt financing for the period ended June 30, 2016 is as follows: ($ in Millions) As of June 30, 2016 Lender Arrangement Loan Balance Interest Maturity Date Fifth Third Bank Secured term loan $25 million ceiling (a) $ 24.7 LIBOR* + 3.0% 05/01/21 Fifth Third Bank Secured revolving line of credit $10 million ceiling (b) $ 0.8 LIBOR* + 3.0% 05/01/18 Wynnefield Capital Subordinated notes (c) $ 2.5 4% per annum 11/02/21 * LIBOR rate as of June 30, 2016 was 0.46% (a) Represents the principal amounts payable on our Term Loan with Fifth Third Bank that partially funded our acquisition of Danya on May 3, 2016. The $25.0 million term loan from Fifth Third Bank was funded at closing and is secured by liens on substantially all of the assets of DLH and Danya. The principal of the Term Loan is payable in fifty-nine consecutive monthly installments of $312,500 beginning on June 1, 2016 with the remaining balance due on May 1, 2021. The Term Loan agreement requires compliance with a number of financial covenants and contains restrictions on our ability to engage in certain transactions. Among other matters, we must comply with limitations on: granting liens; incurring other indebtedness; maintenance of assets; investments in other entities and extensions of credit; mergers and consolidations; and changes in nature of business. The loan agreement also requires us to comply with certain financial covenants including: (i) a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.35 to 1.0 commencing with the quarter ending June 30, 2016, and for all subsequent periods, and (ii) a Funded Indebtedness to Adjusted EBITDA ratio not exceeding the ratio of 2.99 to 1.0 at closing and thereafter a ratio ranging from 3.5 to 1.0 for the period through September 30, 2016 to 2.5 to 1.0 for the period ending September 30, 2018. In addition to monthly payments of the outstanding indebtedness, the loan agreement also requires prepayments of a percentage of excess cash flow, as defined in the loan agreement. Accordingly, a portion of our cash flow from operations will be dedicated to the repayment of our indebtedness. DLH is fully compliant with all covenants under the Loan Agreement with Fifth Third Bank. (b) The secured revolving line of credit from Fifth Third Bank has a ceiling of up to $10.0 million , of which $5.0 million was drawn at closing to cover partial financing of the Danya purchase. Borrowing on the line of credit is secured by liens on substantially all of the assets of DLH and Danya. At June 30, 2016, DLH had repaid all but $0.8 million on the revolving line of credit, including the $5.0 million draw at closing, as well as interim borrowing to maintain operational cash flow during May and June. The Company's total borrowing availability, based on eligible accounts receivables at June 30, 2016 , was $6.0 million . This capacity was comprised of $0.9 million in a stand-by letter of credit, $0.8 million in borrowing on the line of credit, and unused borrowing capacity of $4.3 million . The revolving line of credit is subject to loan covenants as described above in the Term Loan, and DLH is fully compliant with those covenants. (c)The Company issued subordinated notes to Wynnefield Capital in the aggregate principal amount of $2.5 million with the terms described in the above table. The maturity date will accelerate upon completion of an equity financing transaction, including a rights offering currently underway, resulting in at least $2.5 million of gross proceeds. Under the note agreement, we anticipate that Wynnefield Capital will serve as a standby purchaser in connection with this rights offering, subject to the negotiation and execution of a mutually acceptable standby purchase agreement. In partial consideration for the subordinated notes, we issued Wynnefield Capital warrants to purchase 53,619 shares of common stock. Using a binomial pricing model, we valued the warrants at $177 thousand which is amortized over a period of 60 months. Given the provisions that may reduce the exercise price of these warrants in the event that other convertible securities or options have a lower price, these warrants are classified as a liability. This topic is further discussed in Note 12. Related Party Transactions. The Company had a working capital deficit of $3.6 million as of June 30, 2016, due principally to cash provided to fund the Danya acquisition. It is our expectation that cash flow from operations will resolve that deficit. Management believes that: (a) cash and cash equivalents of approximately $2.8 million as of June 30, 2016 ; (b) the amount available under its line of credit that was in effect at June 30, 2016 ; 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 Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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, valuation allowances established against accounts receivable and deferred tax assets, and measurement of loss development on workers’ compensation claims. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis and base our estimates on historical experience, current and expected future outcomes, third-party evaluations and various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities as well as identifying and assessing the accounting treatment with respect to commitments and contingencies. We revise material accounting estimates if changes occur, such as more experience is acquired, additional information is obtained, or there is new information on which an estimate was or can be based. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In particular, a material reduction in the fair value of goodwill could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations. We account for the effect of a change in accounting estimate during the period in which the change occurs. 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. 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 and other intangible assets We have used the acquisition method of accounting for the Danya transaction, whereby the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized based upon their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are provisional and are based on the information that was available as of the acquisition date. The Company believes that information provides a reasonable basis for estimating the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, but the Company is waiting for additional information necessary to finalize those fair values. Therefore, the provisional measurements of fair value reflected are subject to change and such changes could be significant. The Company expects to finalize the valuation and complete the purchase price allocation as soon as practicable but no later than one year from the acquisition date. Initial estimates of this allocation are shown under Note 11 Business Combinations. On the basis of the estimated assets acquired, the Company amortized $352 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2016 . DLH continues to review its goodwill and other intangible assets 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, 2015 , we performed a goodwill impairment evaluation on the year-end carrying value of $8.6 million . 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, 2015 . For the nine months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company determined that no change in business conditions occurred which would have a material adverse effect on the valuation of goodwill. Notwithstanding, 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. 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 June 30, 2016 and 2015 . We report interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense. In the fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , 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 $11.6 million and $12.1 million as of June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 , respectively. We have recorded a valuation allowance of $1.8 million as of June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 . 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.

Stock-based Compensatin, Equity

Stock-based Compensatin, Equity Grants, and Warrants	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 represented in these financial statements for the period ended March 31, 2016, were made under the 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan. The 2006 plan expired on February 25, 2016, upon shareholders' approval of the 2016 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan. No awards have been issued under the newly adopted 2016 Plan, and as of June 30, 2016 , there were 1.0 million shares available for grant. Options issued under the 2006 Plan were designated as either an incentive stock or a non-statutory stock option. No option was 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 operations: (in thousands) (in thousands) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Ref June 30, June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 DLH employees $ 6 $ 72 $ 20 $ 241 Non-employee directors (a) 36 — 364 177 Total stock option expense $ 42 $ 72 $ 384 $ 418 Ref (a): Equity grants of restricted stock, in accordance with DLH compensation policy for non-employee directors. The shares granted in first quarter 2016 vested immediately, and stock expense of approximately $304 thousand was recognized accordingly. For the nine months ended June 30, 2016 , non-employee directors stock expense includes approximately $60 thousand related to prior year equity grants for which performance criteria was achieved in October 2015. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense (in thousands) Nine Months Ended June 30, Ref 2016 2015 Unrecognized expense for DLH employees (a) $ 24 $ 105 Unrecognized expense for non-employee directors (b) 36 125 Total unrecognized expense $ 60 $ 230 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 nine months ended June 30, 2016 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, 2015 2,324 $1.40 6.81 $ 3,649 Granted — — 0 Exercised (a) (110 ) $1.40 Options outstanding, June 30, 2016 2,214 $1.40 6.01 $ 8,365 Ref (a): Shares exercised by an executive officer in December 2015. Stock options shares outstanding, vested and unvested for the period ended (in thousands) Number of Shares June 30, Ref 2016 2015 Vested and exercisable 1,680 968 Unvested (a) 534 1,368 Options outstanding 2,214 2,336 Ref (a): Certain awards vest upon satisfaction of certain performance criteria.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments In partial consideration for the subordinated debt provided by Wynnefield Capital (discussed further in Note 5), we issued warrants to purchase 53,619 shares of common stock. Using a binomial pricing model, we valued the warrants at $177,000 as of June 30, 2016. Assumptions used in valuing the warrants included: Risk free interest rate 1.01 % Contractual term 5 years Dividend yield — % Expected lives 5 years Expected volatility 74 % Fair value per warrant $3.31 The Company has other 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, 2016 and September 30, 2015 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	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing income 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 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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Numerator: Net income 776 437 997 489 Denominator: Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted-average outstanding shares 10,154 9,552 9,812 9,580 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and restricted stock 1,157 404 1,043 410 Denominator for diluted net income per share - weighted-average outstanding shares 11,311 9,956 10,855 9,990 Net income per share - basic $ 0.08 $ 0.05 $ 0.10 $ 0.05 Net income per share - diluted $ 0.07 $ 0.04 $ 0.09 $ 0.05

Commitment and Contingencies

Commitment and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Lease Obligations Payments Due By Period Obligations Next 12 2-3 4-5 More than 5 (Amounts in thousands) Ref Total Months Years Years Years Facility leases (a) $ 4,417 $ 780 $ 1,731 $ 1,063 $ 843 Equipment leases (b) 110 94 16 — — Total Obligations $ 4,527 $ 874 $ 1,747 $ 1,063 $ 843 Ref (a): Represents amounts committed on facility lease agreements as of June 30, 2016 . Ref (b): Represents remaining amounts committed as of June 30, 2016 on a capital lease arrangement. 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 June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 was $0.81 million and 0.95 million , respectively. Legal Proceedings 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.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combinations	Business Combinations: Acquisition of Danya International, LLC On May 3, 2016, the Company acquired 100% of the equity interests of Dayna International, LLC for a purchase price of $38.75 million . The acquisition was financed through a combination of: • borrowings of $30.0 million under the Company’s senior credit facility, • cash on hand of approximately $3.75 million , • 670,242 restricted shares of DLH common stock, valued at $2.5 million based on the 20 day volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of DLH stock, or $3.73 per share, and • $2.5 million pursuant to a subordinated loan arrangement with the Company’s largest stockholder. After giving effect to the issuance of the shares of common stock issued to Seller at closing, Seller beneficially owns approximately 6.5% of the Company’s outstanding shares. The acquisition of Danya International is consistent with the Company’s growth strategy, which calls for the development of new customers and service offerings both organically and through mergers and acquisitions. We have used the acquisition method of accounting for this transaction, whereby the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized based upon their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The preliminary base purchase price for Danya was $38.75 million , with adjustments as necessary based on an estimated working capital excess (deficit) compared to the $3.5 million target prescribed in the acquisition agreement. We are in the process of allocating the acquisition price to the fair value of the assets and liabilities of Danya at the acquisition date. Initial estimates of the purchase price and its allocation are shown below but may be subject to change as we complete our assessment of the acquisition date balance sheet. Based on the unaudited financial statements of Danya on May 3, 2016, we estimate total acquisition consideration and the preliminary allocation of fair value to the related assets and liabilities as follows: (Amounts in thousands) Preliminary base purchase price for Danya $ 38,750 Estimated working capital deficit $ (310 ) Estimated purchase price, net of cash acquired $ 38,440 Estimated net assets acquired Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,009 Accounts receivable 5,712 Other current assets 444 Total current assets 10,165 Accounts payable and accrued expenses (5,543 ) Payroll liabilities (1,432 ) Estimated net working capital surplus 3,190 Property and equipment, net 403 Other long term assets 81 Net identifiable assets acquired 3,674 Goodwill and other intangibles 34,766 Net assets acquired $ 38,440 During the three and nine months ended June 30, 2016, Danya contributed approximately $7.3 million of revenue and $0.9 million income from operations. The following table presents certain results for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 as though the acquisition of Danya had occurred on October 1, 2014. The unaudited pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of our results if the acquisition had taken place on that date. The pro forma results presented below include amortization charges for acquired intangible assets and adjustments to interest expense incurred and exclude related acquisition expenses. (in thousands) (in thousands) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended June 30, June 30, Pro forma results 2016 2015 2016 2015 Revenue $ 30,411 $ 26,828 $ 92,164 $ 83,359 Net income $ 1,416 $ 415 $ 2,618 $ 657 Number of shares outstanding - basic 11,123 10,933 11,051 10,961 Number of shares outstanding - diluted 12,280 11,337 12,094 11,371 Basic earnings per share $0.13 $0.04 $0.24 $0.06 Diluted earnings per share $0.12 $0.04 $0.22 $0.06

Related Party Disclosure

Related Party Disclosure	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions. On May 3, 2016, the Company entered into a Consulting Services Agreement with Jeffrey Hoffman, the former owner of Danya International, LLC. Under this agreement, the Company agreed to retain the services of Mr. Hoffman as an independent contractor. The services to be provided by Mr. Hoffman consist of supporting the efficient transition of Danya’s business following the Acquisition, providing advice to ensure continuity of current operations, providing strategic advice and promoting the interests of the Company. The monthly consulting fee paid to Mr. Hoffman is $10,000 per month. The initial term of this agreement is for twelve months, which may be extended for subsequent six-month terms up to an additional twelve months. On May 2, 2016, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “Subordinated Loan”) with Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value L.P., Wynnefield Partners Small Cap Value I L.P., and Wynnefield Small Cap Value Offshore Fund, Ltd. (collectively, the “Subordinated Lenders”) pursuant to which the Company obtained financing in an aggregate amount of $2.5 million and used such funds towards the purchase price of the acquisition of Danya. The Subordinated Lenders are entities affiliated with Wynnefield Capital, Inc., which beneficially owned, immediately prior to such agreement, through various related entities and funds, approximately 45% of the Company’s Common Stock. In partial consideration for the Subordinated Loan, the Company issued the Subordinated Lenders warrants to purchase an aggregate of 53,619 shares of common stock , representing 8% of the principal amount of the Subordinated Loan. . The Subordinated Loan bears interest at the rate of 4.0% per annum and matures on the earlier of the 66-month anniversary of issuance or the completion by the Company of an equity financing transaction, including a rights offering, resulting in at least $2.5 million of gross proceeds. The Warrants are exercisable for five years at an initial exercise price equal to $3.73 . The initial exercise price of the Warrants is subject to adjustment for certain customary events and includes weighted average anti-dilution protection for future issuances by the Company, subject to certain exclusions.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events. As of July 20, 2016, approximately 216,000 additional stock options became vested and exercisable based upon satisfaction of certain stock price criteria. 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 Polici19

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [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 FASB has continued to issue periodic updates to this guidance, to further define the application of the changes. Public business entities should apply the guidance to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. 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. In March 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance intended to simplify various aspects related to how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in the financial statements. The amendments in this update affect all entities that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is evaluating the impact of this guidance. In September 2015, the FASB issued guidance regarding business combinations for which the accounting is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, and during the measurement period have an adjustment to provisional amounts recognized. To simplify the accounting for adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination, the amendments in this update eliminate the requirement to retrospectively account for those adjustments. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments should be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date of this update, with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. This standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, and requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. Current guidance requires an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in a classified statement of financial position. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Earlier application is permitted for all entities as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The amendments may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is evaluating the timing and method of applying this update. In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance intended to improve financial reporting for leasing transactions with a lease term of more than 12 months. The new guidance will require organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flow arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP - which requires only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet, the new guidance will require both types of leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. The standard is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition, and provides for certain practical expedients. Transition will require application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. The Company is evaluating the impact of this guidance.
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, valuation allowances established against accounts receivable and deferred tax assets, and measurement of loss development on workers’ compensation claims. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis and base our estimates on historical experience, current and expected future outcomes, third-party evaluations and various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities as well as identifying and assessing the accounting treatment with respect to commitments and contingencies. We revise material accounting estimates if changes occur, such as more experience is acquired, additional information is obtained, or there is new information on which an estimate was or can be based. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In particular, a material reduction in the fair value of goodwill could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations. We account for the effect of a change in accounting estimate during the period in which the change occurs.
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. 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 and other intangible assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets We have used the acquisition method of accounting for the Danya transaction, whereby the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized based upon their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are provisional and are based on the information that was available as of the acquisition date. The Company believes that information provides a reasonable basis for estimating the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, but the Company is waiting for additional information necessary to finalize those fair values. Therefore, the provisional measurements of fair value reflected are subject to change and such changes could be significant. The Company expects to finalize the valuation and complete the purchase price allocation as soon as practicable but no later than one year from the acquisition date. Initial estimates of this allocation are shown under Note 11 Business Combinations. On the basis of the estimated assets acquired, the Company amortized $352 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2016 . DLH continues to review its goodwill and other intangible assets 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, 2015 , we performed a goodwill impairment evaluation on the year-end carrying value of $8.6 million . 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, 2015 . For the nine months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company determined that no change in business conditions occurred which would have a material adverse effect on the valuation of goodwill. Notwithstanding, 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.
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 June 30, 2016 and 2015 . We report interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense. In the fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , we recognized no interest and no penalties related to income taxes.
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 Informat20

Supporting Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Receivable	Accounts receivable (in thousands) June 30, September 30, Ref 2016 2015 Billed receivables $ 6,117 $ 2,498 Unbilled receivables 1,159 788 Total accounts receivable 7,276 3,286 Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts (a) — — Accounts receivable, net $ 7,276 $ 3,286 Ref (a): 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 June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 .
Accrued Payroll	Accrued payroll (in thousands) June 30, September 30, Ref 2016 2015 Accrued payroll related to billed receivables $ 2,980 $ 2,259 Accrued payroll related to unbilled accounts receivable 783 536 Total accrued payroll $ 3,763 $ 2,795
Schedule of Other Current Assets	(in thousands) June 30, September 30, Ref 2016 2015 Prepaid insurance and benefits $ 227 $ 156 Due from seller, net working capital adjustment 452 — Other prepaid expenses 620 273 Other current assets $ 1,299 $ 429
Equipment and Improvemnts, Net	Equipment and improvements, net (in thousands) June 30, September 30, Ref 2016 2015 Furniture and equipment $ 217 $ 197 Computer equipment 469 162 Computer software 404 297 Leasehold improvements 66 63 Total fixed assets 1,156 719 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (465 ) (383 ) Equipment and improvements, net (a) $ 691 $ 336 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 7 ) and the shorter of the initial lease term or estimated useful life for leasehold improvements. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred.
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, and Other Current Liabilities	ccrued expenses and other current liabilities (in thousands) June 30, September 30, Ref 2016 2015 Accounts payable $ 2,983 $ 87 Accrued benefits 1,152 267 Accrued bonus and incentive compensation 160 858 Accrued workers compensation insurance 805 945 Other accrued expenses 2,616 694 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities (a) $ 7,716 $ 2,851
Long-term Debt Instruments	Debt obligations (in thousands) June 30, September 30, Ref 2016 2015 Bank revolving line of credit $ 813 $ — Bank term loan 24,687 — Gross bank debt obligations 25,500 — Less unamortized debt issuance costs (1,288 ) — Net bank debt obligation (a) 24,212 — Less current portion of bank debt obligations (4,363 ) — Long term portion of bank debt obligation 19,849 — Subordinated debt 2,500 — Less unamortized debt issuance costs (171 ) — Net subordinated debt (b) 2,329 — Total long term debt obligations $ 22,178 $ — Ref (a): Maturity of the net bank debt obligation is as follows: Year 1 $ 4,363 $ — Year 2 3,555 — Year 3 3,555 — Year 4 3,555 — Year 5 9,184 — Total net bank debt obligation $ 24,212 $ — Ref (b): Required maturity of the subordinated debt is beyond 5 years.
Other Income (Expense)	Other Income (Expense) (in thousands) (in thousands) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended June 30, June 30, Ref 2016 2015 2016 2015 Interest income (expense), net (a) $ (206 ) $ (23 ) $ (206 ) $ (72 ) Amortization of deferred financing costs (b) (50 ) — (50 ) — Other income (expense), net (c) (25 ) (11 ) (25 ) (651 ) Acquisition expense (d) (93 ) — (795 ) — Total other income (expense), net $ (374 ) $ (34 ) $ (1,076 ) $ (723 ) Ref (a): Interest expense on borrowing related to acquisition of Danya Ref (b): Amortizations of expenses related to securing financing to acquire Danya Ref (c): Prior year reflects a one-time charge related to settlement of the retroactive payment claim in March 2015. Ref (d): Reflects non-operational expenses related to the acquisition Danya

Credit Facilities (Tables)

Credit Facilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Credit Facilities	A summary of our loan facilities and subordinated debt financing for the period ended June 30, 2016 is as follows: ($ in Millions) As of June 30, 2016 Lender Arrangement Loan Balance Interest Maturity Date Fifth Third Bank Secured term loan $25 million ceiling (a) $ 24.7 LIBOR* + 3.0% 05/01/21 Fifth Third Bank Secured revolving line of credit $10 million ceiling (b) $ 0.8 LIBOR* + 3.0% 05/01/18 Wynnefield Capital Subordinated notes (c) $ 2.5 4% per annum 11/02/21 * LIBOR rate as of June 30, 2016 was 0.46% (a) Represents the principal amounts payable on our Term Loan with Fifth Third Bank that partially funded our acquisition of Danya on May 3, 2016. The $25.0 million term loan from Fifth Third Bank was funded at closing and is secured by liens on substantially all of the assets of DLH and Danya. The principal of the Term Loan is payable in fifty-nine consecutive monthly installments of $312,500 beginning on June 1, 2016 with the remaining balance due on May 1, 2021. The Term Loan agreement requires compliance with a number of financial covenants and contains restrictions on our ability to engage in certain transactions. Among other matters, we must comply with limitations on: granting liens; incurring other indebtedness; maintenance of assets; investments in other entities and extensions of credit; mergers and consolidations; and changes in nature of business. The loan agreement also requires us to comply with certain financial covenants including: (i) a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.35 to 1.0 commencing with the quarter ending June 30, 2016, and for all subsequent periods, and (ii) a Funded Indebtedness to Adjusted EBITDA ratio not exceeding the ratio of 2.99 to 1.0 at closing and thereafter a ratio ranging from 3.5 to 1.0 for the period through September 30, 2016 to 2.5 to 1.0 for the period ending September 30, 2018. In addition to monthly payments of the outstanding indebtedness, the loan agreement also requires prepayments of a percentage of excess cash flow, as defined in the loan agreement. Accordingly, a portion of our cash flow from operations will be dedicated to the repayment of our indebtedness. DLH is fully compliant with all covenants under the Loan Agreement with Fifth Third Bank. (b) The secured revolving line of credit from Fifth Third Bank has a ceiling of up to $10.0 million , of which $5.0 million was drawn at closing to cover partial financing of the Danya purchase. Borrowing on the line of credit is secured by liens on substantially all of the assets of DLH and Danya. At June 30, 2016, DLH had repaid all but $0.8 million on the revolving line of credit, including the $5.0 million draw at closing, as well as interim borrowing to maintain operational cash flow during May and June. The Company's total borrowing availability, based on eligible accounts receivables at June 30, 2016 , was $6.0 million . This capacity was comprised of $0.9 million in a stand-by letter of credit, $0.8 million in borrowing on the line of credit, and unused borrowing capacity of $4.3 million . The revolving line of credit is subject to loan covenants as described above in the Term Loan, and DLH is fully compliant with those covenants. (c)The Company issued subordinated notes to Wynnefield Capital in the aggregate principal amount of $2.5 million with the terms described in the above table. The maturity date will accelerate upon completion of an equity financing transaction, including a rights offering currently underway, resulting in at least $2.5 million of gross proceeds. Under the note agreement, we anticipate that Wynnefield Capital will serve as a standby purchaser in connection with this rights offering, subject to the negotiation and execution of a mutually acceptable standby purchase agreement. In partial consideration for the subordinated notes, we issued Wynnefield Capital warrants to purchase 53,619 shares of common stock. Using a binomial pricing model, we valued the warrants at $177 thousand which is amortized over a period of 60 months. Given the provisions that may reduce the exercise price of these warrants in the event that other convertible securities or options have a lower price, these warrants are classified as a liability. This topic is further discussed in Note 12. Related Party Transactions. The Company had a working capital deficit of $3.6 million as of June 30, 2016, due principally to cash provided to fund the Danya acquisition. It is our expectation that cash flow from operations will resolve that deficit.

Stock-based Compensation, Equit

Stock-based Compensation, Equity Grants, and Warrants (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 DLH employees $ 6 $ 72 $ 20 $ 241 Non-employee directors (a) 36 — 364 177 Total stock option expense $ 42 $ 72 $ 384 $ 418 Ref (a): Equity grants of restricted stock, in accordance with DLH compensation policy for non-employee directors. The shares granted in first quarter 2016 vested immediately, and stock expense of approximately $304 thousand was recognized accordingly. For the nine months ended June 30, 2016 , non-employee directors stock expense includes approximately $60 thousand related to prior year equity grants for which performance criteria was achieved in October 2015. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense (in thousands) Nine Months Ended June 30, Ref 2016 2015 Unrecognized expense for DLH employees (a) $ 24 $ 105 Unrecognized expense for non-employee directors (b) 36 125 Total unrecognized expense $ 60 $ 230 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	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, 2015 2,324 $1.40 6.81 $ 3,649 Granted — — 0 Exercised (a) (110 ) $1.40 Options outstanding, June 30, 2016 2,214 $1.40 6.01 $ 8,365 Ref (a): Shares exercised by an executive officer in December 2015.
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 June 30, Ref 2016 2015 Vested and exercisable 1,680 968 Unvested (a) 534 1,368 Options outstanding 2,214 2,336 Ref (a): Certain awards vest upon satisfaction of certain performance criteria.

Fair Value of Financial Instr23

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques	Assumptions used in valuing the warrants included: Risk free interest rate 1.01 % Contractual term 5 years Dividend yield — % Expected lives 5 years Expected volatility 74 % Fair value per warrant $3.31

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Numerator: Net income 776 437 997 489 Denominator: Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted-average outstanding shares 10,154 9,552 9,812 9,580 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and restricted stock 1,157 404 1,043 410 Denominator for diluted net income per share - weighted-average outstanding shares 11,311 9,956 10,855 9,990 Net income per share - basic $ 0.08 $ 0.05 $ 0.10 $ 0.05 Net income per share - diluted $ 0.07 $ 0.04 $ 0.09 $ 0.05

Commitment and Contingencies (T

Commitment and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule	Obligations Payments Due By Period Obligations Next 12 2-3 4-5 More than 5 (Amounts in thousands) Ref Total Months Years Years Years Facility leases (a) $ 4,417 $ 780 $ 1,731 $ 1,063 $ 843 Equipment leases (b) 110 94 16 — — Total Obligations $ 4,527 $ 874 $ 1,747 $ 1,063 $ 843 Ref (a): Represents amounts committed on facility lease agreements as of June 30, 2016 . Ref (b): Represents remaining amounts committed as of June 30, 2016 on a capital lease arrangement.

Business Combinations (Tables)

Business Combinations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	Based on the unaudited financial statements of Danya on May 3, 2016, we estimate total acquisition consideration and the preliminary allocation of fair value to the related assets and liabilities as follows: (Amounts in thousands) Preliminary base purchase price for Danya $ 38,750 Estimated working capital deficit $ (310 ) Estimated purchase price, net of cash acquired $ 38,440 Estimated net assets acquired Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,009 Accounts receivable 5,712 Other current assets 444 Total current assets 10,165 Accounts payable and accrued expenses (5,543 ) Payroll liabilities (1,432 ) Estimated net working capital surplus 3,190 Property and equipment, net 403 Other long term assets 81 Net identifiable assets acquired 3,674 Goodwill and other intangibles 34,766 Net assets acquired $ 38,440
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	The pro forma results presented below include amortization charges for acquired intangible assets and adjustments to interest expense incurred and exclude related acquisition expenses. (in thousands) (in thousands) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended June 30, June 30, Pro forma results 2016 2015 2016 2015 Revenue $ 30,411 $ 26,828 $ 92,164 $ 83,359 Net income $ 1,416 $ 415 $ 2,618 $ 657 Number of shares outstanding - basic 11,123 10,933 11,051 10,961 Number of shares outstanding - diluted 12,280 11,337 12,094 11,371 Basic earnings per share $0.13 $0.04 $0.24 $0.06 Diluted earnings per share $0.12 $0.04 $0.22 $0.06

Business Overview (Details)

Business Overview (Details)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016employeelocation	Jun. 30, 2016employeelocation
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of employees (employee) | employee	1,400	1,400
Minimum number of locations in which entity operates (location) | location	30	30
Public Health and Life Sciences [Member] | Business Base [Member] | Customer concentration
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage (percent)		5.00%
US Government [Member] | Revenue concentration | Customer concentration
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage (percent)		100.00%
DVA | Business Base [Member] | Customer concentration
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage (percent)		54.00%
Human Services and Solutions [Member] | Business Base [Member] | Customer concentration
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage (percent)		41.00%
Human Services and Solutions [Member] | Revenue concentration | Customer concentration
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage (percent)		13.00%
Department of Veterans Affairs [Member] | Revenue concentration | Customer concentration
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage (percent)	83.00%	95.00%

Supporting Financial Informat28

Supporting Financial Information - Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total accounts receivable	$ 7,276	$ 3,286
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	0	0
Accounts Receivable, Net	7,276	3,286
Billed Receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total accounts receivable	6,117	2,498
Unbilled Receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total accounts receivable	$ 1,159	$ 788

Supporting Financial Informat29

Supporting Financial Information - Accrued Payroll (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Accrued payroll related to billed receivables	$ 2,980	$ 2,259
Total accrued payroll related to unbilled accounts receivable	783	536
Accrued payroll	$ 3,763	$ 2,795

Supporting Financial Informat30

Supporting Financial Information - Other Current Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Prepaid insurance and benefits	$ 227	$ 156
Accounts and Other Receivables, Net, Current	452	0
Other prepaid expenses	620	273
Other current assets	$ 1,299	$ 429

Supporting Financial Informat31

Supporting Financial Information - Equipment and Improvements, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Furniture and equipment	$ 217	$ 197
Computer equipment	469	162
Computer software	404	297
Leasehold improvements	66	63
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	1,156	719
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(465)	(383)
Equipment and improvements, net	$ 691	$ 336
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	7 years

Supporting Financial Informat32

Supporting Financial Information - Accounts Payable, Accrued Expense and Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$ 2,983	$ 87
Accrued benefits	1,152	267
Accrued bonus and incentive compensation	160	858
Accrued workers compensation insurance	805	945
Other accrued expenses	2,616	694
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$ 7,716	$ 2,851

Supporting Financial Informat33

Supporting Financial Information - Other Income (Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Interest income (expense), net	$ (206)	$ (23)	$ (206)	$ (72)
Amortization of deferred financing costs	50	0	50	0
Other income (expense), net	(25)	(11)	(25)	(651)
Acquisition expense	(93)	0	(795)	0
Other income (expense) net	$ (374)	$ (34)	$ (1,076)	$ (723)

Supporting Financial Informat34

Supporting Financial Information - Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 22,178	$ 0
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	22,178	0
Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	25,500
Long-term Debt	24,212	0
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	(1,288)	0
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	(4,363)	0
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	19,849	0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	4,363	0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	3,555	0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	3,555	0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	3,555	0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	9,184	0
Subordinated Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	2,500	0
Long-term Debt	2,329	0
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	(171)	0
Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	800
Line of Credit | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	813	0
Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	24,700
Term Loans | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 24,687	$ 0

Credit Facilities (Details)

Credit Facilities (Details)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)shares	May 03, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)shares	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Ratio of Debt to Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciations, and Amortization, Period Two		3.5
Ratio of Debt to Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciations, and Amortization, Period Three		2.5
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio			1.35
Ratio of Debt to Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciations, and Amortization		2.99
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 6,000,000		$ 6,000,000	$ 6,000,000
Cash and cash equivalents	2,820,000		2,820,000	2,820,000	$ 5,558,000	$ 4,738,000	$ 3,908,000
Term Loans
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum availability	25,000,000		25,000,000	25,000,000
Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum availability	10,000,000	$ 10,000,000	10,000,000	10,000,000
Loan Balance	800,000	5,000,000	800,000	800,000
Proceeds from Lines of Credit		$ 5,000,000
Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount	4,300,000		4,300,000	4,300,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	900,000		900,000	900,000
Subordinated Debt
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt				2,500,000
Term Loan with Fifth Third Bank [Member] | Term Loans
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum availability	$ 25,000,000		$ 25,000,000	25,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Periodic Payment, Principal				$ 312,500
Wynnefiled Capital, Bank Term Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding | shares	53,619		53,619	53,619
Warrants and Rights Outstanding	$ 177,000		$ 177,000	$ 177,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Amortization Period				60 months
Notes Payable to Banks [Member] | Wynnefiled Capital, Bank Term Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest Rate	4.00%		4.00%	4.00%
Subordinated Debt | Wynnefiled Capital, Bank Term Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 2,500,000		$ 2,500,000	$ 2,500,000
Dayna International, LLC
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired		100.00%
Business Combination, Working Capital Surplus (Deficit)	$ 3,600,000
Dayna International, LLC | Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Liability consideration transfered		$ 30,000,000
Dayna International, LLC | Notes Payable to Banks [Member] | Revolving Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum availability		30,000,000
Dayna International, LLC | Subordinated Debt
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Liability consideration transfered		2,500,000
Dayna International, LLC | Subordinated Debt | Wynnefiled Capital, Bank Term Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 2,500,000

Credit Facilities - Schedule of

Credit Facilities - Schedule of Credit Facilities (Details)	May 03, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Ratio of Debt to Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciations, and Amortization	2.99
Loan Balance		$ 22,178,000	$ 0
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate (percent)		0.46%
Term Loans
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Loan Balance		$ 24,700,000
Maximum availability		$ 25,000,000
Term Loans | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on loan		3.00%
Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Loan Balance		$ 800,000
Maximum availability	$ 10,000,000	$ 10,000,000
Line of Credit | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on loan		3.00%
Subordinated Debt
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Loan Balance		$ 2,329,000	$ 0
Subordinated Debt | Wynnefiled Capital, Bank Term Loan
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 2,500,000

Significant Accounting Polici37

Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill, Income Taxes, and Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 352,000
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	43,009,000	$ 8,595,000
Deferred tax assets	11,600,000	$ 12,100,000
Valuation allowance	1,800,000
Cash, FDIC Insured Amount	$ 250,000

Stock-based Compensation, Equ38

Stock-based Compensation, Equity Grants, and Warrants - Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total compensation expense	$ 42	$ 72	$ 384	$ 418
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	60	230	60	230
DLH Employees
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	24	105	24	105
Non-employee Directors
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	36	125	36	125
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | DLH Employees
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total compensation expense	6	72	20	241
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Non-employee Directors
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total compensation expense	$ 36	$ 0	$ 364	$ 177
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	1		1
Expiration term			10 years
Total compensation expense			$ 304
Prior Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Employee Stock Option
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total compensation expense			$ 60

Stock-based Compensation, Equ39

Stock-based Compensation, Equity Grants, and Warrants - Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Number of Shares
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	2,324
Granted (in shares)	0
Cancelled (in shares)	(110)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	2,214	2,336
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
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 4 days	6 years 9 months 22 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars)	$ 3,649
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars)	$ 8,365

Stock-based Compensation, Equ40

Stock-based Compensation, Equity Grants, and Warrants - Stock Options Outstanding, Vested and Unvested (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Vested and exercisable	1,680		968
Unvested	534		1,368
Option outstanding	2,214	2,324	2,336

Fair Value of Financial Instr41

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Wynnefiled Capital, Bank Term Loan	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)shares
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding | shares	53,619
Warrants and Rights Outstanding | $	$ 177,000

Fair Value of Financial Instr42

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair Value Assumptions (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016$ / shares
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	1.01%
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	5 years
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.00%
Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate	74.00%
Fair Value Assumptions, Exercise Price	$ 3.31

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Numerator [Abstract]
Net income	$ 776	$ 437	$ 997	$ 489
Denominator [Abstract]
Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share - weighted-average outstanding shares (shares)	10,154	9,552	9,812	9,580
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted stock (shares)	1,157	404	1,043	410
Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share - weighted-average outstanding shares (shares)	11,311	9,956	10,855	9,990
Net income (loss) per share - basic (dollars per share)	$ 0.08	$ 0.05	$ 0.10	$ 0.05
Net income (loss) per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.04	$ 0.09	$ 0.05

Commitment and Contingencies (D

Commitment and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Contractual Obligation	$ 4,527
Contractual Obligation, Less than 1 Year	874
Contractual Obligation, 1-3 Years	1,747
Contractual Obligation, 4-5 years	1,063
Contractual Obligation, after 5 years	843
Facility Leases [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	4,417
Operating Leases, Less than 1 Year	780
Operating Leases, 1-3 Years	1,731
Operating Leases, 4-5 years	1,063
Operating Leases, after 5 years	843
Equipment Leases [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Contractual Obligation	110
Contractual Obligation, Less than 1 Year	94
Contractual Obligation, 1-3 Years	$ 16

Commitment and Contingencies -

Commitment and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued workers compensation insurance	$ 805	$ 945

Business Combinations (Details)

Business Combinations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	May 03, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity consideration transfered			$ 2,500	$ 0
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual		$ 7,300	7,300
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Changes in Accounting and Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax		$ 900	$ 1,240
Dayna International, LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred	$ 38,750
Cash consideration transfered	$ 3,750
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Noncash Financial or Equity Instrument Consideration, Shares Issued	670,242
Equity consideration transfered	$ 2,500
Business Acquisition, Share Price	$ 3.73
Minority interest ownership percentage	6.50%
Net working capital target	$ 3,500
Subordinated Debt | Dayna International, LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Liability consideration transfered	2,500
Line of Credit | Dayna International, LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Liability consideration transfered	$ 30,000

Business Combinations - Purchas

Business Combinations - Purchase Price and Allocation of Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 03, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net		$ 43,009	$ 8,595
Dayna International, LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Preliminary base purchase price for Danya	$ 38,750
Estimated working capital deficit	(310)
Business Combination, Consideration Transfered, Net of Cash Acquired	38,440
Cash and cash equivalents	4,009
Accounts receivable	5,712
Other current assets	444
Total current assets	10,165
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(5,543)
Payroll liabilities	(1,432)
Estimated net working capital surplus	3,190
Property and equipment, net	403
Other long term assets	81
Net identifiable assets acquired	3,674
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	34,766
Net assets acquired	$ 38,440

Business Combinations - Pro For

Business Combinations - Pro Forma Results (Details) - Dayna International, LLC - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 30,411	$ 26,828	$ 92,164	$ 83,359
Net income	$ 1,416	$ 415	$ 2,618	$ 657
Number of shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	$ 11,123,000	$ 10,933,000	$ 11,051,000	$ 10,961,000
Number of shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	12,280,000	11,337,000	12,094,000	11,371,000
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	0.13	0.04	0.24	0.06
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.04	$ 0.22	$ 0.06

Related Party Disclosure (Detai

Related Party Disclosure (Details) - USD ($)	May 02, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	May 03, 2016
Wynnefiled Capital, Bank Term Loan
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding		53,619
Wynnefiled Capital, Bank Term Loan | Subordinated Debt
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 2,500,000
Note Purchase Agreement with Wynnefield Partners [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Warrants Issued in Consideration for Subordinated Loan, Percentage or Principal Amount	8.00%
Note Purchase Agreement with Wynnefield Partners [Member] | Wynnefiled Capital, Bank Term Loan
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Subordinated Lenders, Ownership Percentage of Equity	45.00%
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding	53,619
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Period	5 years
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights	$ 3.73
Note Purchase Agreement with Wynnefield Partners [Member] | Wynnefiled Capital, Bank Term Loan | Subordinated Debt
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 2,500,000
Interest Rate	4.00%
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Note Purchase Agreement with Wynnefield Partners [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Due to Related Party, Monthly Consulting Fee Paid			$ 10,000

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details)	Jul. 20, 2016shares
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Vested stock (shares)	216,000

Uncategorized Items - dlhc-2016

Label	Element	Value
Interest Paid	us-gaap_InterestPaid	$ 105,000