Gse Systems (GVP) 10-Q 14 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 13, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'GSE SYSTEMS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000944480	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	17,887,859
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$17,559	$22,386
Restricted cash	983	743
Contract receivables, net	20,933	23,716
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,473	3,212
Total current assets	43,948	50,057
Equipment, software and leasehold improvements	7,030	6,733
Accumulated depreciation	-5,096	-4,653
Equipment, software and leasehold improvements, net	1,934	2,080
Software development costs, net	905	2,426
Goodwill	0	4,502
Intangible assets, net	754	911
Long-term restricted cash	1,184	1,192
Other assets	126	1,396
Total assets	48,851	62,564
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	4,045	4,980
Accrued expenses	2,004	2,287
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes	2,418	2,715
Billings in excess of revenue earned	5,800	5,993
Accrued warranty	1,841	2,107
Other current liabilities	1,325	2,193
Total current liabilities	17,433	20,275
Other liabilities	811	1,459
Total liabilities	18,244	21,734
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Stockholder's equity:	'	'
Preferred stock $.01 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding none in 2013 and 2012	0	0
Common stock $.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized, shares issued 19,486,770 in 2013 and 19,435,324 in 2012	195	194
Additional paid-in capital	72,036	71,352
Accumulated deficit	-38,238	-27,889
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-555	-647
Treasury stock at cost, 1,499,741 shares in 2013, 1,104,487 in 2012	-2,831	-2,180
Total stockholders' equity	30,607	40,830
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$48,851	$62,564

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholder's equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	2,000,000	2,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	19,486,770	19,435,324
Treasury stock, shares acquired (in shares)	1,499,741	1,104,487

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)	'	'	'	'
Contract revenue	$11,883	$13,009	$35,300	$39,581
Cost of revenue	8,811	7,960	26,332	26,143
Write-down of capitalized software development costs	0	0	2,174	0
Gross profit	3,072	5,049	6,794	13,438
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative	3,808	3,483	11,919	10,663
Goodwill impairment loss	0	0	4,462	0
Depreciation	135	131	434	406
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets	51	79	155	235
Total operating expenses	3,994	3,693	16,970	11,304
Operating income (loss)	-922	1,356	-10,176	2,134
Interest income, net	22	36	85	121
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net	-78	20	-221	36
Other income (expense), net	-49	-97	-60	82
Income (loss) before income taxes	-1,027	1,315	-10,372	2,373
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	-32	499	-23	869
Net income (loss)	($995)	$816	($10,349)	$1,504
Basic income (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	($0.06)	$0.04	($0.57)	$0.08
Diluted income (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	($0.06)	$0.04	($0.57)	$0.08

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($995)	$816	($10,349)	$1,504
Foreign currency translation adjustment	252	442	92	291
Comprehensive income (loss)	($743)	$1,258	($10,257)	$1,795

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Treasury Stock	Total
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$194	$71,352	($27,889)	($647)	($2,180)	$40,830
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	19,435,324	'	'	'	-1,104,487	'
Stock-based compensation expense	'	641	'	'	'	641
Common stock issued for options exercised	1	43	'	'	'	44
Common stock issued for options exercised (in shares)	52	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	'	92	'	92
Treasury stock at cost	'	'	'	'	-651	-651
Treasury stock at cost (in shares)	'	'	'	'	-395,254	395,254
Net loss	'	'	-10,349	'	'	-10,349
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$195	$72,036	($38,238)	($555)	($2,831)	$30,607
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	19,486,770	'	'	'	-1,499,741	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	($10,349)	$1,504
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	'	'
Goodwill impairment loss	4,462	0
Write-down of capitalized software development costs	2,174	0
Depreciation	434	406
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets	155	235
Capitalized software amortization	509	536
Amortization of deferred financing costs	9	9
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	215	245
Stock-based compensation expense	641	678
Equity (gain) loss on investment in GSE-UNIS Simulation Technology Co. Ltd.	148	-27
(Gain) loss on derivative instruments	221	-36
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Contract receivables	3,068	884
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-744	262
Accounts payable, accrued compensation and accrued expenses	-1,425	609
Billings in excess of revenue earned	-186	-225
Accrued warranty reserves	-266	-143
Other liabilities	263	97
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-671	5,034
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-287	-1,404
Capitalized software development costs	-1,162	-914
Investment in GSE-UNIS Simulation Technology Co. Ltd.	0	-469
Restrictions of cash as collateral under letters of credit	-228	-1,734
Releases of cash as collateral under letters of credit	0	1,197
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,677	-3,324
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	44	273
Payments of the liability-classified contingent consideration arrangements	-1,890	-845
Treasury stock purchases	-651	-422
Net cash used in financing activities	-2,497	-994
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	18	262
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-4,827	978
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	22,386	20,326
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$17,559	$21,304

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Reve

Basis of Presentation and Revenue Recognition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation and Revenue Recognition [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Revenue Recognition	'
	1	Basis of Presentation and Revenue Recognition
	Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated interim financial statements included herein have been prepared by GSE Systems, Inc. (the "Company" or "GSE") without independent audit.  In the opinion of the Company's management, all adjustments and reclassifications of a normal and recurring nature necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented have been made.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") have been condensed or omitted.  The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily an indication of the results for the full year.  These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2013.
	The Company has only one reportable segment.  The Company has a wide range of knowledge of simulation systems and the processes those systems are intended to control and model.  The Company's knowledge is concentrated heavily in simulation technology and model development.  The Company is primarily engaged in simulation for the power generation industry and the process industries.  Contracts typically range from one to three years.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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 as well as reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  The Company's most significant estimates relate to revenue recognition, capitalization of software development costs, valuation of intangible assets acquired including goodwill, contingent consideration issued in business acquisitions, and the recoverability of deferred tax assets.  Actual results could differ from these estimates and those differences could be material.
	Revenue Recognition
	The majority of the Company's revenue is derived through the sale of uniquely designed systems containing hardware, software and other materials under fixed-price contracts.  Revenue under these fixed-price contracts is accounted for on the percentage-of-completion method.  This methodology recognizes revenue and earnings as work progresses on the contract and is based on an estimate of the revenue and earnings earned to date, less amounts recognized in prior periods.  The Company bases its estimate of the degree of completion of the contract by reviewing the relationship of costs incurred to date to the expected total costs that will be incurred on the project. Estimated contract earnings are reviewed and revised periodically as the work progresses, and the cumulative effect of any change in estimate is recognized in the period in which the change is identified.  Estimated losses are charged against earnings in the period such losses are identified.  The Company recognizes revenue arising from contract claims either as income or as an offset against a potential loss only when the amount of the claim can be estimated reliably and realization is probable and there is a legal basis for the claim.
	Uncertainties inherent in the performance of contracts include labor availability and productivity, material costs, change order scope and pricing, software modification and customer acceptance issues.  The reliability of these cost estimates is critical to the Company's revenue recognition as a significant change in the estimates can cause the Company's revenue and related margins to change significantly from the amounts estimated in the early stages of the project.
	As the Company recognizes revenue under the percentage-of-completion method, it provides an accrual for estimated future warranty costs based on historical experience and projected claims.  The Company's long-term contracts generally provide for a one-year warranty on parts, labor and any bug fixes as it relates to software embedded in the systems.
	The Company's system design contracts do not normally provide for "post customer support service" ("PCS") in terms of software upgrades, software enhancements or telephone support.  In order to obtain PCS, the customers must normally purchase a separate contract.  Such PCS arrangements are generally for a one-year period renewable annually and include customer support, unspecified software upgrades, and maintenance releases.  The Company recognizes revenue from these contracts ratably over the life of the agreements.
	Revenue from the sale of software licenses which do not require significant modifications or customization for the Company's modeling tools are recognized when the license agreement is signed, the license fee is fixed and determinable, delivery has occurred, and collection is considered probable.
	Revenue from certain consulting or training contracts is recognized on a time-and-material basis.  For time-and-material type contracts, revenue is recognized based on hours incurred at a contracted labor rate plus expenses.
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the following customers have provided more than 10% of the Company's consolidated revenue:
			Three Months ended		Nine Months ended
			September 30,		September 30,
			2013	2012	2013	2012
	Slovenské elektrárne, a.s.		31.10%	2.30%	25.60%	4.80%
	BP Products North America		0.50%	15.60%	0.60%	6.20%

Basic_and_Diluted_Income_Loss_

Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share [Abstract]	'
Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share	'
		2	Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share
	Basic income (loss) per share is based on the weighted average number of outstanding common shares for the period.  Diluted income (loss) per share adjusts the weighted average shares outstanding for the potential dilution that could occur if stock options were exercised into common stock.
	The number of common shares and common share equivalents used in the determination of basic and diluted income (loss) per share were as follows:
	(in thousands, except for share amounts)		Three Months ended					Nine Months ended
			September 30,					September 30,
			2013			2012		2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)		$	(995	)	$	816	$	(10,349	)	$	1,504
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share			18,058,319			18,390,034		18,232,873			18,370,907
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee stock options			-			69,900		-			112,235
	Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed conversions for diluted earnings per share			18,058,319			18,459,934		18,232,873			18,483,142
	Shares related to dilutive securities excluded because inclusion would be anti-dilutive			2,899,349			2,847,203		2,909,597			2,799,268

Contract_Receivables

Contract Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Contract Receivables [Abstract]	'
Contract Receivables	'
	3	Contract Receivables
	Contract receivables represent balances due from a broad base of both domestic and international customers.  All contract receivables are considered to be collectible within twelve months. Recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed represent costs incurred and associated profit accrued on contracts that will become billable upon future milestones or completion of contracts.
	The components of contract receivables are as follows:
	(in thousands)		September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Billed receivables		$	6,173		$	12,403
	Recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed			14,762			11,315
	Allowance for doubtful accounts			(2	)		(2	)
	Total contract receivables, net		$	20,933		$	23,716
	Recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed totaled $14.8 million and $11.3 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  During October 2013, the Company invoiced $2.1 million of the unbilled amounts.
	The following customers account for more than 10% of the Company's consolidated contract receivables for the indicated periods:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Slovenské elektrárne, a.s.	27.80%		17.40%
	Shandong Nuclear Power Co. Ltd.	4.80%		13.80%

Software_Development_Costs

Software Development Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Software Development Costs [Abstract]	'
Software Development Costs	'
		4	Software Development Costs
	Certain computer software development costs are capitalized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  Capitalization of computer software development costs begins upon the establishment of technological feasibility.  Capitalization ceases and amortization of capitalized costs begins when the software product is commercially available for general release to customers.  Amortization of capitalized computer software development costs is included in cost of revenue and is determined using the straight-line method over the remaining estimated economic life of the product, typically three years.  On an annual basis, and more frequently as conditions indicate, the Company assesses the recovery of the unamortized software development costs by estimating the net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the sale of the product.  If the undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the unamortized software costs the Company will write-down the investment to its estimated fair value based on future undiscounted cash flows.  The excess of any unamortized software development costs over the related net realizable value is written down and charged to cost of revenue.
	Software development costs capitalized were $167,000 and $1.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and $306,000 and $914,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.  Total amortization expense was $31,000 and $509,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and $168,000 and $536,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	During the second quarter of 2013, the Company incurred a charge of $2.2 million related to the write-down of certain capitalized software development costs based on the net realizable value analysis.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
		5	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, were as follows (in thousands):
	Net book value at December 31, 2012		$	4,502
	2013 Activity:
	Goodwill impairment loss			(4,462	)
	Foreign currency translation			(40	)
	Net book value at September 30, 2013		$	-
	We review goodwill for impairment annually as of November 30 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other.  The provisions of ASC 350 require that we perform a two-step impairment test on goodwill. In the first step, we compare the fair value of our reporting unit to its carrying value.  The Company has only one reporting unit.  If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired, and we are not required to perform further testing.  If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then we must perform the second step of the impairment test in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill.  The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit's assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, with any residual fair value allocated to goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then we record an impairment loss equal to the difference.
	Based upon indicators of impairment in the second quarter of 2013, which included a substantial decrease in the Company's market capitalization following the announcement of the Company's first quarter 2013 earnings, and significantly lower than projected revenue and profits as a result of a change in market conditions, the Company performed an interim impairment test as of June 30, 2013.
	The fair value of our reporting unit was estimated using a combination of appropriately weighted income and market approaches.  The cash flows employed in the income approach were based on forecasts and business plans developed in the second quarter of 2013, as well as various growth rate assumptions for the years beyond the current business plan period, discounted using an estimated weighted average cost of capital ("WACC").  The WACC is comprised of (1) a risk free rate of return, (2) an equity and size risk premium that is based on the rate of return on equity of publicly traded companies with business characteristics comparable to our reporting unit, (3) the current after-tax market rate of return on debt of companies with business characteristics similar to our reporting unit, each weighted by the relative market value percentages of our equity and debt, and (4) an industry and specific company risk factor.
	The results of the ASC 350 Step 1 goodwill impairment analysis indicated that the estimated fair value of our reporting unit was less than the carrying value.  The reporting unit was unfavorably impacted by a combination of lower current and projected cash flows.  Because our reporting unit's fair value estimate was lower than its carrying value, we applied the second step of the goodwill test, in accordance with ASC 350.
	The second step of the goodwill impairment analysis indicated that the carrying value of the goodwill associated with the reporting unit exceeded its implied fair value resulting in a $4.5 million non-deductible goodwill impairment charge.  As a result of the analysis, the Company recorded a full goodwill impairment.  The impairment was non-cash in nature and did not affect the Company's current liquidity nor impact the debt covenants under the Company's existing credit facility.
	Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization
	The Company's intangible assets include amounts recognized in connection with business acquisitions, including customer relationships, contract backlog and technology.  Intangible assets are initially valued at fair market value using generally accepted valuation methods appropriate for the type of intangible asset.  Amortization is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the intangible assets, except for contract backlog and contractual customer relationships which are recognized in proportion to the related projected revenue streams.  Intangible assets with definite lives are reviewed for impairment if indicators of impairment arise.  The failure of step 1 of the goodwill impairment analysis was an impairment indicator in the second quarter of 2013, but the undiscounted cash flows associated with the other intangible assets were greater than the carrying value, and therefore, no impairment was present.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	6	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
	The levels of the fair value hierarchy established by ASC 820 are:
	Level 1:  inputs are quoted prices, unadjusted, in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
	Level 2:  inputs are other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  A Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
	Level 3:  inputs are unobservable and reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
	The Company considers the recorded value of certain of its financial assets and liabilities, which consist primarily of accounts receivable and accounts payable, to approximate the fair value of the respective assets and liabilities at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 based upon the short-term nature of the assets and liabilities.
	The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value at September 30, 2013:
			Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant Unobservable Inputs
			in Active		Other
			Markets for Identical Assets		Observable Inputs
	(in thousands)		(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)		Total
	Money market fund		$	11,144	$	-		$	-	$	11,144
	Foreign exchange contracts			-		148			-		148
	Total assets		$	11,144	$	148		$	-	$	11,292
	Foreign exchange contracts		$	-	$	(660	)	$	-	$	(660	)
	Total liabilities		$	-	$	(660	)	$	-	$	(660	)
	The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2012:
			Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant Unobservable Inputs
			in Active		Other
			Markets for Identical Assets		Observable Inputs
	(in thousands)		(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)		Total
	Money market fund		$	18,082	$	-		$	-	$	18,082
	Certificates of deposit			890		-			-		890
	Foreign exchange contracts			-		316			-		316
	Total assets		$	18,972	$	316		$	-	$	19,288
	Foreign exchange contracts		$	-	$	(339	)	$	-	$	(339	)
	Total liabilities		$	-	$	(339	)	$	-	$	(339	)

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments	'
	7	Derivative Instruments
	The Company utilizes forward foreign currency exchange contracts to manage market risks associated with the fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.  It is the Company's policy to use such derivative financial instruments to protect against market risk arising in the normal course of business in order to reduce the impact of these exposures.  The Company minimizes credit exposure by limiting counterparties to nationally recognized financial institutions.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had foreign exchange contracts outstanding of approximately 0.4 million Pounds Sterling, 17.7 million Euro, and 11.8 million Japanese Yen at fixed rates.  The contracts expire on various dates through May 2016.  At December 31, 2012, the Company had contracts outstanding of approximately 0.8 million Pounds Sterling, 9.9 million Euro, and 61.8 million Japanese Yen at fixed rates.
	The Company has not designated any of the foreign exchange contracts outstanding as hedges and has recorded the estimated fair value of the contracts in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:
			September 30,			December 31,
	(in thousands)		2013			2012
	Asset derivatives
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	141		$	296
	Other assets			7			20
				148			316
	Liability derivatives
	Other current liabilities			(653	)		(190	)
	Other liabilities			(7	)		(149	)
				(660	)		(339	)
	Net fair value		$	(512	)	$	(23	)
	The changes in the fair value of the foreign exchange contracts are included in net gain (loss) on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations.
	The foreign currency denominated contract receivables, billings in excess of revenue earned and subcontractor accruals that are related to the outstanding foreign exchange contracts are remeasured at the end of each period into the functional currency using the current exchange rate at the end of the period.  The gain or loss resulting from such remeasurement is also included in net gain (loss) on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations.
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized a net gain (loss) on its derivative instruments as outlined below:
			Three Months ended						Nine Months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Foreign exchange contracts- change in fair value		$	(481	)	$	(134	)	$	(480	)	$	(42	)
	Remeasurement of related contract receivables,			403			154			259			78
	billings in excess of revenue earned, and
	subcontractor accruals
	Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net		$	(78	)	$	20		$	(221	)	$	36

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	8	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company recognizes compensation expense for all equity-based compensation awards issued to employees, directors and non-employees that are expected to vest.  Compensation cost is based on the fair value of awards as of the grant date.  The Company recognized $203,000 and $231,000 of stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, under the fair value method and recognized $641,000 and $678,000 of stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The Company granted 0 and 64,500 stock options for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.  The fair value of the options granted for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $78,000.  The Company granted 0 and 152,870 stock options for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.  The fair value of the granted options at the grant date was $145,000.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	9	Long-Term Debt
	At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had no long-term debt outstanding.
	Line of Credit
	The Company has a Master Loan and Security Agreement and Revolving Credit Note with Susquehanna Bank ("Susquehanna").  The Company and its subsidiaries, GSE Power Systems, Inc., and GSE EnVision LLC, are jointly and severally liable as co-borrowers.  The Loan Agreement provides a $7.5 million revolving line of credit for the purpose of (i) issuing stand-by letters of credit and (ii) providing working capital. Working capital advances bear interest at a rate equal to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate of Interest, floating with a floor of 4.5%.  In July 2013, Susquehanna extended the Revolving Credit Expiration Date to June 30, 2014.
	As collateral for the Company's obligations, the Company granted a first lien and security interest in all of the assets of the Company, including but not limited to, accounts receivable, inventory, proceeds and products, intangibles, trademarks, intellectual property, and machinery and equipment.
	Issuances of stand-by letters of credit and advances of working capital (collectively referred to as the "Advances") require that the Company maintain a minimum cash balance of $3.0 million at all times (the "Cash Balance Requirement").  The Cash Balance Requirement will remain at the minimum amount as long as the Company's quarterly net income (exclusive of gains and losses on derivative instruments and stock option expense) as defined ("Net Income") remains positive and the Company is in compliance with the covenants.  If the Company's quarterly consolidated Net Income is negative or the Company is not in compliance with the covenants, the Cash Balance Requirement will revert to the amount of the Advances, until the Company attains positive Net Income for two consecutive quarters.
	The credit agreements contain certain restrictive covenants regarding future acquisitions and incurrence of debt.  In addition, the credit agreements contain financial covenants with respect to the Company's cash flow coverage ratio, minimum tangible capital base, quick ratio, and tangible capital base ratio.  At September 30, 2013, the Company had not paid any interest or principal payments related to any borrowings for over one year.  As such, the cash flow coverage ratio is not applicable at September 30, 2013.
			As of
		Covenant	30-Sep-13
	Minimum tangible capital base	Must Exceed $26.0 million	$28.9 million
	Quick ratio	Must Exceed 2.00 : 1.00	2.52 : 1.00
	Tangible capital base ratio	Not to Exceed .75 : 1.00	.63 : 1.00
	As the Company's Net Income for the three months ended September 30, 2013 as defined above was negative, the Company will currently be required to maintain a cash balance of $3.6 million at Susquehanna which is equivalent to the amount of Advances at September 30, 2013.  All of the Company's outstanding Advances as of September 30, 2013 consisted of stand-by letters of credit.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company was contingently liable for fourteen standby letters of credit and two surety bonds totaling $5.9 million which represent performance and bid bonds on thirteen contracts.  The Company has deposited the full value of seven standby letters of credit in escrow accounts, amounting to $2.0 million, which have been restricted in that the Company does not have access to these funds until the related letters of credit have expired.  The cash has been recorded on the Company's balance sheet at September 30, 2013 as restricted cash.

Product_Warranty

Product Warranty	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Product Warranty [Abstract]	'
Product Warranty	'
	10	Product Warranty
	As the Company recognizes revenue under the percentage-of-completion method, it provides an accrual for estimated future warranty costs based on historical experience and projected claims.  The activity in the warranty account is as follows:
	(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	2,107
	Warranty provision			529
	Warranty claims			(798	)
	Currency adjustment			3
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	1,841

Contingent_Consideration

Contingent Consideration	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Contingent Consideration [Abstract]	'
Contingent Consideration	'
	11	Contingent Consideration
	ASC 805 requires that contingent consideration be recognized at fair value on the acquisition date and be remeasured each reporting period with subsequent adjustments recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, contingent consideration included in the other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet totaled $479,000 and $1.6 million, respectively.  As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company also had accrued contingent consideration totaling $391,000 and $902,000, respectively, which is included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet and represents the portion of contingent consideration estimated to be payable greater than twelve months from the balance sheet date.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company made payments of $702,000 and $1.9 million, respectively, related to the liability classified contingent consideration arrangements.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company made payments of $39,000 and $845,000, respectively, related to the liability classified contingent consideration arrangements.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
		12	Income Taxes
	The Company files in the United States federal jurisdiction and in several state and foreign jurisdictions. Because of the net operating loss carryforwards, the Company is subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations from years 1997 forward and is subject to foreign tax examinations by tax authorities for years 2006 and forward. Open tax years related to state and foreign jurisdictions remain subject to examination but are not considered material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	An uncertain tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return is recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities that have full knowledge of all relevant information. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Interest and penalties related to income taxes are accounted for as income tax expense.  The Company has appropriately accounted for its uncertain tax positions.
	The Company expects to pay income taxes in the United Kingdom, India, and China in 2013.  In 2012, the Company paid income taxes in Sweden, India, and China.  The Company has a full valuation allowance on its U.S. net deferred tax assets at September 30, 2013.

Preferred_Stock_Rights

Preferred Stock Rights	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Preferred Stock Rights [Abstract]	'
Preferred Stock Rights [Text Block]	'
	13	Preferred Stock Rights
	On March 21, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a dividend, payable to holders of record as of the close of business on April 1, 2011, of one preferred stock purchase right (a Right) for each outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the Common Stock).  In addition, the Company will issue one Right with each new share of Common Stock issued.  In connection therewith, on March 21, 2011, the Company entered into a Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement (as amended from time to time, the Rights Agreement) with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent, which has a term of three years, unless amended by the Board of Directors in accordance with the terms of the Rights Agreement.  Upon approval of both an independent committee of the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors, the Rights Plan can be extended for up to three years.  The Rights will initially trade with and be inseparable from the Common Stock and will not be evidenced by separate certificates unless they become exercisable.  Each Right entitles its holder to purchase from the Company one -hundredth of a share of participating preferred stock having economic and voting terms similar to the Common Stock at an exercise price of $8.00 per Right, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Rights Agreement, once the Rights become exercisable.  Under the Rights Agreement, the Rights become exercisable if any person or group acquires 20% or more of the Common Stock or, in the case of any person or group that owned 20% or more of the Common Stock as of March 21, 2011, upon the acquisition of any additional shares by such person or group.  The Company, its subsidiaries, employee benefit plans of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and any entity holding Common Stock for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan are accepted.  Upon exercise of the Right in accordance with the Rights Agreement, the holder would be able to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock from the Company having an aggregate market price (as defined in the Rights Agreement) equal to twice the then-current exercise price for an amount in cash equal to the then-current exercise price.  In addition, the Company may, in certain circumstances and pursuant to the terms of the Rights Agreement, exchange the Rights for one share of Common Stock or an equivalent security for each Right or, alternatively, redeem the Rights for $0.001 per Right.  The Rights will not prevent a takeover of our Company, but may cause substantial dilution to a person that acquires 20% or more of the Company's Common Stock.

Share_Repurchase_Plan

Share Repurchase Plan	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share Repurchase Plan [Abstract]	'
Share Repurchase Program	'
	14	Share Repurchase Plan
	On March 21, 2011, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $3.0 million of the Company's common stock in accordance with the safe harbor provisions of Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company repurchased 177,755 and 395,254 shares, respectively, at an aggregate cost of $283,000 and $651,000, respectively.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 the Company repurchased 60,700 and 223,087 shares at an aggregate cost of $119,000 and $422,000, respectively.  In October 2013, the Company repurchased 99,170 shares at an aggregate cost of $168,000, which completed the Company's buyback.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Reve1

Basis of Presentation and Revenue Recognition (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation and Revenue Recognition [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated interim financial statements included herein have been prepared by GSE Systems, Inc. (the "Company" or "GSE") without independent audit.  In the opinion of the Company's management, all adjustments and reclassifications of a normal and recurring nature necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented have been made.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") have been condensed or omitted.  The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily an indication of the results for the full year.  These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2013.
	The Company has only one reportable segment.  The Company has a wide range of knowledge of simulation systems and the processes those systems are intended to control and model.  The Company's knowledge is concentrated heavily in simulation technology and model development.  The Company is primarily engaged in simulation for the power generation industry and the process industries.  Contracts typically range from one to three years.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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 as well as reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  The Company's most significant estimates relate to revenue recognition, capitalization of software development costs, valuation of intangible assets acquired including goodwill, contingent consideration issued in business acquisitions, and the recoverability of deferred tax assets.  Actual results could differ from these estimates and those differences could be material.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	The majority of the Company's revenue is derived through the sale of uniquely designed systems containing hardware, software and other materials under fixed-price contracts.  Revenue under these fixed-price contracts is accounted for on the percentage-of-completion method.  This methodology recognizes revenue and earnings as work progresses on the contract and is based on an estimate of the revenue and earnings earned to date, less amounts recognized in prior periods.  The Company bases its estimate of the degree of completion of the contract by reviewing the relationship of costs incurred to date to the expected total costs that will be incurred on the project. Estimated contract earnings are reviewed and revised periodically as the work progresses, and the cumulative effect of any change in estimate is recognized in the period in which the change is identified.  Estimated losses are charged against earnings in the period such losses are identified.  The Company recognizes revenue arising from contract claims either as income or as an offset against a potential loss only when the amount of the claim can be estimated reliably and realization is probable and there is a legal basis for the claim.
	Uncertainties inherent in the performance of contracts include labor availability and productivity, material costs, change order scope and pricing, software modification and customer acceptance issues.  The reliability of these cost estimates is critical to the Company's revenue recognition as a significant change in the estimates can cause the Company's revenue and related margins to change significantly from the amounts estimated in the early stages of the project.
	As the Company recognizes revenue under the percentage-of-completion method, it provides an accrual for estimated future warranty costs based on historical experience and projected claims.  The Company's long-term contracts generally provide for a one-year warranty on parts, labor and any bug fixes as it relates to software embedded in the systems.
	The Company's system design contracts do not normally provide for "post customer support service" ("PCS") in terms of software upgrades, software enhancements or telephone support.  In order to obtain PCS, the customers must normally purchase a separate contract.  Such PCS arrangements are generally for a one-year period renewable annually and include customer support, unspecified software upgrades, and maintenance releases.  The Company recognizes revenue from these contracts ratably over the life of the agreements.
	Revenue from the sale of software licenses which do not require significant modifications or customization for the Company's modeling tools are recognized when the license agreement is signed, the license fee is fixed and determinable, delivery has occurred, and collection is considered probable.
	Revenue from certain consulting or training contracts is recognized on a time-and-material basis.  For time-and-material type contracts, revenue is recognized based on hours incurred at a contracted labor rate plus expenses.
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the following customers have provided more than 10% of the Company's consolidated revenue:
		Three Months ended		Nine Months ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2013	2012	2013	2012
	Slovenské elektrárne, a.s.	31.10%	2.30%	25.60%	4.80%
	BP Products North America	0.50%	15.60%	0.60%	6.20%

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Reve2

Basis of Presentation and Revenue Recognition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation and Revenue Recognition [Abstract]	'
Percentage of revenue by major customers	'
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the following customers have provided more than 10% of the Company's consolidated revenue:
		Three Months ended		Nine Months ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2013	2012	2013	2012
	Slovenské elektrárne, a.s.	31.10%	2.30%	25.60%	4.80%
	BP Products North America	0.50%	15.60%	0.60%	6.20%

Basic_and_Diluted_Income_Loss_1

Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share [Abstract]	'
Number of common shares and common share equivalents used in the determination of basic and diluted income (loss) per share	'
	The number of common shares and common share equivalents used in the determination of basic and diluted income (loss) per share were as follows:
	(in thousands, except for share amounts)	Three Months ended					Nine Months ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2013			2012		2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	(995	)	$	816	$	(10,349	)	$	1,504
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share		18,058,319			18,390,034		18,232,873			18,370,907
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee stock options		-			69,900		-			112,235
	Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed conversions for diluted earnings per share		18,058,319			18,459,934		18,232,873			18,483,142
	Shares related to dilutive securities excluded because inclusion would be anti-dilutive		2,899,349			2,847,203		2,909,597			2,799,268

Contract_Receivables_Tables

Contract Receivables (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Contract Receivables [Abstract]	'
Components of contract receivables	'
	The components of contract receivables are as follows:
	(in thousands)		September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Billed receivables		$	6,173		$	12,403
	Recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed			14,762			11,315
	Allowance for doubtful accounts			(2	)		(2	)
	Total contract receivables, net		$	20,933		$	23,716
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'
Contract receivable by major customers	'
	The following customers account for more than 10% of the Company's consolidated contract receivables for the indicated periods:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Slovenské elektrárne, a.s.	27.80%		17.40%
	Shandong Nuclear Power Co. Ltd.	4.80%		13.80%

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill	'
	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, were as follows (in thousands):
	Net book value at December 31, 2012	$	4,502
	2013 Activity:
	Goodwill impairment loss		(4,462	)
	Foreign currency translation		(40	)
	Net book value at September 30, 2013	$	-

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value	'
	The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value at September 30, 2013:
		Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant Unobservable Inputs
		in Active		Other
		Markets for Identical Assets		Observable Inputs
	(in thousands)	(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)		Total
	Money market fund	$	11,144	$	-		$	-	$	11,144
	Foreign exchange contracts		-		148			-		148
	Total assets	$	11,144	$	148		$	-	$	11,292
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	-	$	(660	)	$	-	$	(660	)
	Total liabilities	$	-	$	(660	)	$	-	$	(660	)
	The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2012:
		Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant Unobservable Inputs
		in Active		Other
		Markets for Identical Assets		Observable Inputs
	(in thousands)	(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)		Total
	Money market fund	$	18,082	$	-		$	-	$	18,082
	Certificates of deposit		890		-			-		890
	Foreign exchange contracts		-		316			-		316
	Total assets	$	18,972	$	316		$	-	$	19,288
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	-	$	(339	)	$	-	$	(339	)
	Total liabilities	$	-	$	(339	)	$	-	$	(339	)

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]	'
Estimated fair value of the contracts in the consolidated balance sheets	'
	The Company has not designated any of the foreign exchange contracts outstanding as hedges and has recorded the estimated fair value of the contracts in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:
		September 30,			December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012
	Asset derivatives
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	141		$	296
	Other assets		7			20
			148			316
	Liability derivatives
	Other current liabilities		(653	)		(190	)
	Other liabilities		(7	)		(149	)
			(660	)		(339	)
	Net fair value	$	(512	)	$	(23	)
Gain (loss) from derivative instruments	'
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized a net gain (loss) on its derivative instruments as outlined below:
		Three Months ended						Nine Months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Foreign exchange contracts- change in fair value	$	(481	)	$	(134	)	$	(480	)	$	(42	)
	Remeasurement of related contract receivables,		403			154			259			78
	billings in excess of revenue earned, and
	subcontractor accruals
	Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net	$	(78	)	$	20		$	(221	)	$	36

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]	'
Susquehanna Bank Loan Agreement debt covenants	'
	The credit agreements contain certain restrictive covenants regarding future acquisitions and incurrence of debt.  In addition, the credit agreements contain financial covenants with respect to the Company's cash flow coverage ratio, minimum tangible capital base, quick ratio, and tangible capital base ratio.  At September 30, 2013, the Company had not paid any interest or principal payments related to any borrowings for over one year.  As such, the cash flow coverage ratio is not applicable at September 30, 2013.
			As of
		Covenant	30-Sep-13
	Minimum tangible capital base	Must Exceed $26.0 million	$28.9 million
	Quick ratio	Must Exceed 2.00 : 1.00	2.52 : 1.00
	Tangible capital base ratio	Not to Exceed .75 : 1.00	.63 : 1.00

Product_Warranty_Tables

Product Warranty (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Product Warranty [Abstract]	'
Activities in the product warranty accounts	'
	As the Company recognizes revenue under the percentage-of-completion method, it provides an accrual for estimated future warranty costs based on historical experience and projected claims.  The activity in the warranty account is as follows:
	(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	2,107
	Warranty provision		529
	Warranty claims		(798	)
	Currency adjustment		3
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	1,841

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Reve3

Basis of Presentation and Revenue Recognition (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Basis of Presentation and Revenue Recognition [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable segment	'	'	1	'
Minimum term of contract (in years)	'	'	'1 year	'
Maximum term of contract (in years)	'	'	'3 years	'
Term of warranty (in years)	'	'	'1 year	'
Period of post customer support service (PCS) (in years)	'	'	'1 year	'
Benchmark to disclose customers of consolidated revenue, minimum percentage (in hundredths)	'	'	10.00%	'
Revenue [Member] | Slovenske elektrarne, a.s. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue by major customers [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of revenue contributed by major customers (in hundredths)	31.10%	2.30%	25.60%	4.80%
Revenue [Member] | BP Products North America [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue by major customers [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of revenue contributed by major customers (in hundredths)	0.50%	15.60%	0.60%	6.20%

Basic_and_Diluted_Income_Loss_2

Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($995)	$816	($10,349)	$1,504
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share (in shares)	18,058,319	18,390,034	18,232,873	18,370,907
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Employee stock options (in shares)	0	69,900	0	112,235
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed conversions for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	18,058,319	18,459,934	18,232,873	18,483,142
Shares related to dilutive securities excluded because inclusion would be anti-dilutive (in shares)	2,899,349	2,847,203	2,909,597	2,799,268

Contract_Receivables_Details

Contract Receivables (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Contract Receivables [Abstract]	'	'	'
Maximum term of contract receivables (in months)	'	'12 months	'
Components of contract receivables [Abstract]	'	'	'
Billed receivables	'	$6,173,000	$12,403,000
Recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed	'	14,762,000	11,315,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts	'	-2,000	-2,000
Total contract receivables, net	'	20,933,000	23,716,000
Unbilled Contract Receivables Billed during October 2013	$2,100,000	'	'
Contract Receivable [Member] | Slovenske elektrarne, a.s. [Member]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of contract receivables accounted by major customers (in hundredths)	'	27.80%	17.40%
Contract Receivable [Member] | Shandong Nuclear Power Co. Ltd. [Member]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of contract receivables accounted by major customers (in hundredths)	'	4.80%	13.80%

Software_Development_Costs_Det

Software Development Costs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Software Development Costs [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Total capitalized software development cost	$167,000	$306,000	$1,162,000	$914,000
Capitalized software amortization	31,000	168,000	509,000	536,000
Write-down of capitalized software	'	'	$2,200,000	'

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Net book value at December 31, 2012	'	'	$4,502	'
Goodwill impairment loss	0	0	-4,462	0
Foreign currency translation	'	'	-40	'
Net book value at September 30, 2013	$0	'	$0	'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]	'	'
Money market fund	$11,144	$18,082
Certificates of deposit	'	890
Foreign exchange contracts - Assets	148	316
Total assets	11,292	19,288
Foreign exchange contracts - Liabilities	-660	-339
Total liabilities	-660	-339
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]	'	'
Money market fund	11,144	18,082
Certificates of deposit	'	890
Foreign exchange contracts - Assets	0	0
Total assets	11,144	18,972
Foreign exchange contracts - Liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]	'	'
Money market fund	0	0
Certificates of deposit	'	0
Foreign exchange contracts - Assets	148	316
Total assets	148	316
Foreign exchange contracts - Liabilities	-660	-339
Total liabilities	-660	-339
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]	'	'
Money market fund	0	0
Certificates of deposit	'	0
Foreign exchange contracts - Assets	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Foreign exchange contracts - Liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	$0	$0

Derivative_Instruments_Details

Derivative Instruments (Details)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

GBP (£)

JPY (¥)

EUR (€)

GBP (£)

JPY (¥)

Not designated as Hedges [Member]

Not designated as Hedges [Member]

Not designated as Hedges [Member]

Not designated as Hedges [Member]

Not designated as Hedges [Member]

Not designated as Hedges [Member]

Not designated as Hedges [Member]

Not designated as Hedges [Member]

Not designated as Hedges [Member]

Not designated as Hedges [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]

Other assets [Member]

Other assets [Member]

Other Current Liabilities [Member]

Other Current Liabilities [Member]

Other liabilities [Member]

Other liabilities [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign exchange contract outstanding

'

'

'

'

€ 17,700,000

£ 400,000

¥ 11,800,000

€ 9,900,000

£ 800,000

¥ 61,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated fair value of the contracts in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Asset derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

148,000

316,000

141,000

296,000

7,000

20,000

'

'

'

'

Liability derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-660,000

-339,000

'

'

'

'

-653,000

-190,000

-7,000

-149,000

Net fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-512,000

-23,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (loss) from derivative instruments [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign exchange contracts- change in fair value

-481,000

-134,000

-480,000

-42,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remeasurement of related contract receivables, billings in excess of revenue earned, and subcontractor accruals

403,000

154,000

259,000

78,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (loss) on derivative, net

($78,000)

$20,000

($221,000)

$36,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Pre-tax share based compensation expense	$203,000	$231,000	$641,000	$678,000
Shares granted under stock options (in shares)	0	0	64,500	152,870
Fair value of shares granted under stock option plan	'	$0	$78,000	$145,000

LongTerm_Debt_Details

Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
	Bond
	Letter
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Interest rate floor related to Susquehanna Bank agreement (in hundredths)	4.50%
Performance Bond Abstract	'
Number of Standby Letters of Credit	14
Number of Surety Bonds	2
Letter of Credit and Surety Bonds	$5.90
Number of Performance and Bid Bonds issued in relation to contracts	13
Number of stand by letters of credit deposited in escrow accounts	7
Amount of escrow accounts, which are restricted until the associated standby letters of credit have expired	2
First Line of Credit [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Principal amount of the Susquehanna line of credit	7.5
Expiration date of credit agreements with Susquehanna Bank	30-Jun-14
Minimum Cash Balance Requirement	$3
Number of consecutive quarters entity must attain positive net income	2
Minimum tangible capital base - Covenant Description	'Must Exceed $26.0 million
Minimum tangible capital base - Covenant Compliance	'$28.9 million
Quick ratio - Covenant Description	'Must Exceed 2.00 : 1.00
Quick ratio- Covenant Compliance	'2.52 : 1.00
Tangible capital base ratio - Covenant Description	'Not to Exceed .75 : 1.00
Tangible capital base ratio - Covenant Compliance	'.63 : 1.00

Product_Warranty_Details

Product Warranty (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Activities in product warranty account [Abstract]	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	$2,107
Warranty provision	529
Warranty claims	-798
Currency adjustment	3
Balance at September 30, 2013	$1,841

Contingent_Consideration_Detai

Contingent Consideration (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Contingent Consideration [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Contingent consideration accrued, current	$479	'	$479	'	$1,600
Contingent consideration accrued, noncurrent	391	'	391	'	902
Payments of the liability-classified contingent consideration arrangements	$702	$39	$1,890	$845	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Minimum probability of uncertain tax position to be recognized (in hundredths)	50.00%
Minimum percentage of tax position realized upon ultimate settlement (in hundredths)	50.00%

Preferred_Stock_Rights_Details

Preferred Stock Rights (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 21, 2011
			Right
Preferred Stock Rights [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of preferred stock purchase right declared for each outstanding common stock	'	'	1
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01	'
Number of rights issued with each issuance of common stock	'	'	1
Term of stockholder protection rights agreement (in years)	'	'	'3 years
Maximum period that can be extended for right plan (in years)	'	'	'3 years
Fraction of participating preferred stock that can be exercised as a result of right	'	'	0.01
Exercise price of right (in dollars per share)	'	'	$8
Minimum percentage of common stock owned for right to become exercisable (in hundredths)	'	'	20.00%
Redemption price per right (in dollars per share)	'	'	$0.00
Number of common stock exchange for rights (in shares)	'	'	1
Percentage of common stock acquired to cause substantial dilution (in hundredths)	'	'	20.00%

Share_Repurchase_Plan_Details

Share Repurchase Plan (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 21, 2011
Share Repurchase Plan [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Date on which the share repurchase plan was approved by the Board of Directors	'	'	'	'	'	21-Mar-11
Authorized amount under share repurchase plan by Board of Directors	'	$3,000,000	'	$3,000,000	'	'
Stock repurchased during period (in shares)	99,170	177,755	60,700	395,254	223,087	'
Stock repurchased during period	$168,000	$283,000	$119,000	$651,000	$422,000	'