Gse Systems (GVP) 10-Q 14 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 13, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
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 Public Float	'	'	$28,901,284
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	17,887,859	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$16,028	$15,643
Restricted cash	470	45
Contract receivables, net	12,478	24,557
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,543	3,699
Total current assets	32,519	43,944
Equipment, software and leasehold improvements	7,064	7,090
Accumulated depreciation	5,331	5,175
Equipment, software and leasehold improvements, net	1,733	1,915
Software development costs, net	1,437	1,020
Intangible assets, net	597	709
Long-term restricted cash	3,721	1,021
Other assets	180	218
Total assets	40,187	48,827
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	1,805	3,554
Accrued expenses	1,642	1,903
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes	2,226	2,497
Billings in excess of revenue earned	7,343	6,545
Accrued warranty	1,502	1,851
Other current liabilities	972	1,603
Total current liabilities	15,490	17,953
Other liabilities	63	487
Total liabilities	15,553	18,440
Stockholder's equity:	'	'
Preferred stock $.01 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding none in 2014 and 2013	0	0
Common stock $.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized, shares issued 19,486,770 in 2014 and 2013	195	195
Additional paid-in capital	72,719	72,205
Accumulated deficit	-44,305	-38,400
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-976	-614
Treasury stock at cost, 1,598,911 shares in 2014 and 2013	-2,999	-2,999
Total stockholders' equity	24,634	30,387
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$40,187	$48,827

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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	19,486,770
Treasury stock, shares acquired (in shares)	1,598,911	1,598,911

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)	'	'	'	'
Contract revenue	$7,823	$11,883	$24,823	$35,300
Cost of revenue	5,368	8,811	17,497	26,332
Write-down of capitalized software development costs	0	0	0	2,174
Gross profit	2,455	3,072	7,326	6,794
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative	4,226	3,808	12,822	11,919
Goodwill impairment loss	0	0	0	4,462
Depreciation	140	135	413	434
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets	36	51	108	155
Total operating expenses	4,402	3,994	13,343	16,970
Operating loss	-1,947	-922	-6,017	-10,176
Interest income, net	44	22	103	85
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net	69	-78	178	-221
Other expense, net	0	-49	-7	-60
Loss before income taxes	-1,834	-1,027	-5,743	-10,372
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	61	-32	162	-23
Net loss	($1,895)	($995)	($5,905)	($10,349)
Basic loss per common share	($0.11)	($0.06)	($0.33)	($0.57)
Diluted loss per common share	($0.11)	($0.06)	($0.33)	($0.57)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss	'	'	'	'
Net loss	($1,895)	($995)	($5,905)	($10,349)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	-261	252	-362	92
Comprehensive loss	($2,156)	($743)	($6,267)	($10,257)

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, 2013	$195	$72,205	($38,400)	($614)	($2,999)	$30,387
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	19,486,770	'	'	'	-1,598,911	'
Stock-based compensation expense	'	514	'	'	'	514
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	'	'	'	-362	'	-362
Treasury stock at cost	'	'	'	'	'	0
Treasury stock at cost (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	0
Net loss	'	'	-5,905	'	'	-5,905
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$195	$72,719	($44,305)	($976)	($2,999)	$24,634
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014	19,486,770	'	'	'	-1,598,911	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net loss	($5,905)	($10,349)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Goodwill impairment loss	0	4,462
Write-down of capitalized software development costs	0	2,174
Depreciation	413	434
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets	108	155
Capitalized software amortization	173	509
Amortization of deferred financing costs	0	9
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	69	215
Stock-based compensation expense	514	641
Equity loss on investments	38	148
(Gain) loss on derivative instruments	-178	221
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Contract receivables	11,928	3,068
Prepaid expenses and other assets	419	-744
Accounts payable, accrued compensation and accrued expenses	-2,292	-1,425
Billings in excess of revenue earned	792	-186
Accrued warranty reserves	-349	-266
Other liabilities	-575	263
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	5,155	-671
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-240	-287
Capitalized software development costs	-590	-1,162
Restrictions of cash as collateral under letters of credit	-3,159	-228
Releases of cash as collateral under letters of credit	34	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-3,955	-1,677
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	44
Payments of the liability-classified contingent consideration arrangements	-500	-1,890
Treasury stock purchases	0	-651
Net cash used in financing activities	-500	-2,497
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-315	18
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	385	-4,827
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	15,643	22,386
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$16,028	$17,559

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Reve

Basis of Presentation and Revenue Recognition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2013 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2014.
	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 1 to 3 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, product warranties, capitalization of software development costs, valuation of intangible assets acquired, 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, 2014 and 2013, the following customer provided more than 10% of the Company's consolidated revenue:
			Three Months ended		Nine Months ended
			September 30,		September 30,
			2014	2013	2014	2013
	Slovenské elektrárne, a.s.		0.80%	31.10%	3.40%	25.60%

Recently_Adopted_Accounting_Pr

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]	'
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements [Text Block]	'
	2	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides guidance for revenue recognition. The standard's core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under today's guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. This guidance will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending December 31, 2017, and interim periods therein, using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of this ASU on the Company's consolidated financial statements and has not yet determined the method by which it will adopt the standard in 2017.

Basic_and_Diluted_Loss_Per_Com

Basic and Diluted Loss Per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share [Abstract]	'
Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share	'
		3	Basic and Diluted Loss Per Common Share
	Basic loss per share is based on the weighted average number of outstanding common shares for the period.  Diluted 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 loss per share were as follows:
	(in thousands, except for share amounts)		Three Months ended						Nine Months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Net loss		$	(1,895	)	$	(995	)	$	(5,905	)	$	(10,349	)
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share			17,887,859			18,058,319			17,887,859			18,232,873
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee stock options			-			-			-			-
	Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed conversions for diluted earnings per share			17,887,859			18,058,319			17,887,859			18,232,873
	Shares related to dilutive securities excluded because inclusion would be anti-dilutive			2,736,703			2,899,349			2,730,558			2,909,597

Contract_Receivables

Contract Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Contract Receivables [Abstract]	'
Contract Receivables	'
	4	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,
			2014			2013
	Billed receivables		$	6,201		$	19,040
	Recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed			6,279			5,519
	Allowance for doubtful accounts			(2	)		(2	)
	Total contract receivables, net		$	12,478		$	24,557
	Recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed totaled $6.3 million and $5.5 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  During October 2014, the Company invoiced $1.4 million of the unbilled amounts.
	The following customers account for more than 10% of the Company's consolidated contract receivables as of:
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	China Nuclear Power Engineering Company	15.50%		4.90%
	Slovenské elektrárne, a.s.	2.40%		35.90%

Software_Development_Costs

Software Development Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Software Development Costs [Abstract]	'
Software Development Costs	'
		5	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 $241,000 and $590,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $167,000 and $1.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.  Total amortization expense was $78,000 and $173,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $31,000 and $509,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, 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. The Company did not recognize any write-downs of software development costs in 2014.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
		6	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually as of November 30 or 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 goodwill impairment charge, non-deductible for tax purposes.  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 liquidity nor impact the debt covenants under the Company's 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, 2014
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	7	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, 2014 and December 31, 2013 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, 2014:
			Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant
			in Active		Other			Unobservable
			Markets for Identical Assets		Observable Inputs			Inputs
	(in thousands)		(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)		Total
	Money market funds		$	12,945	$	-		$	-	$	12,945
	Foreign exchange contracts			-		30			-		30
	Total assets		$	12,945	$	30		$	-	$	12,975
	Foreign exchange contracts		$	-	$	(16	)	$	-	$	(16	)
	Total liabilities		$	-	$	(16	)	$	-	$	(16	)
	The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2013:
			Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant
			in Active		Other			Unobservable
			Markets for Identical Assets		Observable Inputs			Inputs
	(in thousands)		(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)		Total
	Money market funds		$	10,553	$	-		$	-	$	10,553
	Foreign exchange contracts			-		142			-		142
	Total assets		$	10,553	$	142		$	-	$	10,695
	Foreign exchange contracts		$	-	$	(655	)	$	-	$	(655	)
	Total liabilities		$	-	$	(655	)	$	-	$	(655	)

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments	'
	8	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, 2014, the Company had foreign exchange contracts outstanding of approximately 106,000 Pounds Sterling, 34,000 Canadian dollars, and 1.5 million Euro at fixed rates.  The contracts expire on various dates through June 2016.  At December 31, 2013, the Company had contracts outstanding of approximately 237,000 Pounds Sterling, 13.3 million Euro, and 10.1 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)		2014			2013
	Asset derivatives
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	23		$	140
	Other assets			7			2
				30			142
	Liability derivatives
	Other current liabilities			(14	)		(637	)
	Other liabilities			(2	)		(18	)
				(16	)		(655	)
	Net fair value		$	14		$	(513	)
	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 on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations.
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, 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)		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Foreign exchange contracts- change in fair value		$	58		$	(481	)	$	312		$	(480	)
	Remeasurement of related contract receivables,			11			403			(134	)		259
	billings in excess of revenue earned, and
	subcontractor accruals
	Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net		$	69		$	(78	)	$	178		$	(221	)

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	9	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 $175,000 and $203,000 of stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, under the fair value method and recognized $514,000 and $641,000 of stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The Company granted 0 and 60,000 stock options for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.  The fair value of the options granted for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $56,000.  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 granted options at the grant date was $78,000.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	10	Long-Term Debt
	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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 June 2014, Susquehanna extended the Revolving Credit Expiration Date to March 31, 2015.
	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.
	On September 9, 2014, the Company signed a Third Comprehensive Amendment to the Master Loan and Security Agreement.  According to the Third Amendment, the Company was to maintain a segregated cash collateral account ("Cash Collateral Account") at Susquehanna Bank equal to the greater of (i) $3.0 million or (ii) the aggregate principal amounts of all Loans outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility (including any issued and outstanding letters of credit, working capital advances, and negative foreign exchange positions) as security for the Company's obligations.  Under this amendment, Susquehanna Bank shall have complete and unconditional control over the Cash Collateral Account.
	On September 30, 2014, Susquehanna Bank collateralized the outstanding letters of credit issued under the master line of credit.  The Cash Collateral account totaled $3.1 million and was classified as restricted cash on the balance sheet.
	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, 2014, 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, 2014.
			As of
		Covenant	30-Sep-14
	Minimum tangible capital base	Must Exceed $26.0 million	$22.6 million
	Quick ratio	Must Exceed 2.00 : 1.00	2.10 : 1.00
	Tangible capital base ratio	Not to Exceed .75 : 1.00	.69 : 1.00
	As of September 30, 2014, the Company was not in compliance with its "After tax net income" financial covenant and its "Minimum tangible capital base" covenant, as defined above.  As noted above, the Company has cash collateralized all of its outstanding letters of credit as a result of the Third Amendment to its Master Loan Agreement.
	As of September 30, 2014, the Company was contingently liable for twelve standby letters of credit and two surety bonds totaling $4.4 million which represent advance payment and performance bonds on twelve contracts.  The Company has deposited the full value of twelve standby letters of credit in escrow accounts, amounting to $4.2 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, 2014 as restricted cash.

Product_Warranty

Product Warranty	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Product Warranty [Abstract]	'
Product Warranty	'
	11	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, 2013		$	1,851
	Warranty provision			574
	Warranty claims			(905	)
	Currency adjustment			(18	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	1,502

Contingent_Consideration

Contingent Consideration	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Contingent Consideration [Abstract]	'
Contingent Consideration	'
	12	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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, contingent consideration included in the other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet totaled $471,000 and $492,000, respectively.  As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company also had accrued contingent consideration totaling $0 and $409,000, 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, 2014, the Company made payments of $0 and $500,000 related to the liability-classified contingent consideration arrangements.   During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company made payments of $702,000 and $1.9 million related to the liability-classified contingent consideration arrangements.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
		13	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 2007 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 50%) 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 50% 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 India in 2014.  In 2013, the Company paid income taxes in the UK and India.  The Company has a full valuation allowance on its U.S., Chinese and Swedish net deferred tax assets at September 30, 2014.

Preferred_Stock_Rights

Preferred Stock Rights	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Preferred Stock Rights [Abstract]	'
Preferred Stock Rights [Text Block]	'
	14	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.  On March 21, 2014, the Rights Agreement was amended to extend the term an additional two years.  The Rights Agreement will now expire on March 21, 2016.  The Rights trade with and are inseparable from the Common Stock and are not 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, 2014
Share Repurchase Plan [Abstract]	'
Share Repurchase Program	'
	15	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.  The Company completed the share repurchase program in October 2013 and thus will not be repurchasing shares during 2014.  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.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	16	Subsequent Events
	On November 14, 2014, the Company, through its operating subsidiary, GSE Power Systems, Inc. ("GSE Power"), acquired Hyperspring, LLC ("Hyperspring") pursuant to a Membership Interests Purchase Agreement ("Purchase Agreement") with the sellers of Hyperspring ("Sellers").  Hyperspring, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, specializes in training and development, plant operations support services, and staff augmentation, primarily in the United States nuclear industry. Hyperspring will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of GSE Power.
	GSE Power paid the Sellers an aggregate of $3.0 million in cash at the closing date.  The initial $3.0 million payment is subject to adjustments based on the subsequent determination of the actual working capital balance as of the closing date.  In addition, GSE Power may be required, pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, to pay the Sellers up to an additional $8.4 million if Hyperspring attains certain EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) targets for the three-year period ending November 13, 2017.
	In conjunction with the Hyperspring acquisition, GSE Power invested $250,000 for a 50 % interest in IntelliQlik, LLC ("IntelliQlik") and is obligated to contribute an additional $250,000 upon the attainment by IntelliQlik of certain milestones.  IntelliQlik is jointly owned by GSE Power and one of the former shareholders of Hyperspring.  IntelliQlik will develop a software platform for online learning  and learning management for all energy sectors, including nuclear, thermal, oil & gas, and hydro-electric.  The IntelliQlik platform will also include applications to support plant engineering, operations and maintenance, as well as provide a platform for Software as a Service to deliver learning materials, industry recruitment services, and specialized simulator training programs.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Reve1

Basis of Presentation and Revenue Recognition (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2013 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2014.
	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 1 to 3 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, product warranties, capitalization of software development costs, valuation of intangible assets acquired, 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.

Recently_Adopted_Accounting_Pr1

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]	'
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	'
	2	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides guidance for revenue recognition. The standard's core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under today's guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. This guidance will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending December 31, 2017, and interim periods therein, using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of this ASU on the Company's consolidated financial statements and has not yet determined the method by which it will adopt the standard in 2017.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Reve2

Basis of Presentation and Revenue Recognition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Basis of Presentation and Revenue Recognition [Abstract]	'
Percentage of revenue by major customers	'
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the following customer provided more than 10% of the Company's consolidated revenue:
		Three Months ended		Nine Months ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Slovenské elektrárne, a.s.	0.80%	31.10%	3.40%	25.60%

Basic_and_Diluted_Income_Loss_

Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 loss per share were as follows:
	(in thousands, except for share amounts)	Three Months ended						Nine Months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Net loss	$	(1,895	)	$	(995	)	$	(5,905	)	$	(10,349	)
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share		17,887,859			18,058,319			17,887,859			18,232,873
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee stock options		-			-			-			-
	Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed conversions for diluted earnings per share		17,887,859			18,058,319			17,887,859			18,232,873
	Shares related to dilutive securities excluded because inclusion would be anti-dilutive		2,736,703			2,899,349			2,730,558			2,909,597

Contract_Receivables_Tables

Contract Receivables (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Contract Receivables [Abstract]	'
Components of contract receivables	'
	The components of contract receivables are as follows:
	(in thousands)		September 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Billed receivables		$	6,201		$	19,040
	Recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed			6,279			5,519
	Allowance for doubtful accounts			(2	)		(2	)
	Total contract receivables, net		$	12,478		$	24,557
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'
Contract receivable by major customers	'
	The following customers account for more than 10% of the Company's consolidated contract receivables as of:
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	China Nuclear Power Engineering Company	15.50%		4.90%
	Slovenské elektrárne, a.s.	2.40%		35.90%

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014:
		Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant
		in Active		Other			Unobservable
		Markets for Identical Assets		Observable Inputs			Inputs
	(in thousands)	(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)		Total
	Money market funds	$	12,945	$	-		$	-	$	12,945
	Foreign exchange contracts		-		30			-		30
	Total assets	$	12,945	$	30		$	-	$	12,975
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	-	$	(16	)	$	-	$	(16	)
	Total liabilities	$	-	$	(16	)	$	-	$	(16	)
	The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2013:
		Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant
		in Active		Other			Unobservable
		Markets for Identical Assets		Observable Inputs			Inputs
	(in thousands)	(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)		Total
	Money market funds	$	10,553	$	-		$	-	$	10,553
	Foreign exchange contracts		-		142			-		142
	Total assets	$	10,553	$	142		$	-	$	10,695
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	-	$	(655	)	$	-	$	(655	)
	Total liabilities	$	-	$	(655	)	$	-	$	(655	)

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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)	2014			2013
	Asset derivatives
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	23		$	140
	Other assets		7			2
			30			142
	Liability derivatives
	Other current liabilities		(14	)		(637	)
	Other liabilities		(2	)		(18	)
			(16	)		(655	)
	Net fair value	$	14		$	(513	)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, 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)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Foreign exchange contracts- change in fair value	$	58		$	(481	)	$	312		$	(480	)
	Remeasurement of related contract receivables,		11			403			(134	)		259
	billings in excess of revenue earned, and
	subcontractor accruals
	Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net	$	69		$	(78	)	$	178		$	(221	)

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014, 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, 2014.
			As of
		Covenant	30-Sep-14
	Minimum tangible capital base	Must Exceed $26.0 million	$22.6 million
	Quick ratio	Must Exceed 2.00 : 1.00	2.10 : 1.00
	Tangible capital base ratio	Not to Exceed .75 : 1.00	.69 : 1.00

Product_Warranty_Tables

Product Warranty (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2013	$	1,851
	Warranty provision		574
	Warranty claims		(905	)
	Currency adjustment		(18	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	1,502

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Reve3

Basis of Presentation and Revenue Recognition (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
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)	0.80%	31.10%	3.40%	25.60%

Basic_and_Diluted_Income_Loss_1

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net loss	($1,895)	($995)	($5,905)	($10,349)
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share (in shares)	17,887,859	18,058,319	17,887,859	18,232,873
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Employee stock options (in shares)	0	0	0	0
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed conversions for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	17,887,859	18,058,319	17,887,859	18,232,873
Shares related to dilutive securities excluded because inclusion would be anti-dilutive (in shares)	2,736,703	2,899,349	2,730,558	2,909,597

Contract_Receivables_Details

Contract Receivables (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Contract Receivables [Abstract]	'	'	'
Maximum term of contract receivables (in months)	'	'12 months	'
Components of contract receivables [Abstract]	'	'	'
Billed receivables	'	$6,201,000	$19,040,000
Recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed	'	6,279,000	5,519,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts	'	2,000	2,000
Total contract receivables, net	'	12,478,000	24,557,000
Unbilled Contract Receivables Billed during October 2014	$1,400,000	'	'
Contract Receivable [Member] | China Nuclear Power Engineering Company [Member]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of contract receivables accounted by major customers (in hundredths)	'	15.50%	4.90%
Contract Receivable [Member] | Slovenske elektrarne, a.s. [Member]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of contract receivables accounted by major customers (in hundredths)	'	2.40%	35.90%

Software_Development_Costs_Det

Software Development Costs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Software Development Costs [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Total capitalized software development cost	$241,000	$167,000	$590,000	$1,162,000
Capitalized software amortization	78,000	31,000	173,000	509,000
Capitalized Computer Software, Impairments	'	'	'	$2,200,000

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Goodwill impairment loss	$0	$0	$0	($4,462)

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]	'	'
Money market fund	$12,945	$10,553
Foreign exchange contracts - Assets	30	142
Total assets	12,975	10,695
Foreign exchange contracts - Liabilities	16	655
Total liabilities	16	655
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]	'	'
Money market fund	12,945	10,553
Foreign exchange contracts - Assets	0	0
Total assets	12,945	10,553
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
Foreign exchange contracts - Assets	30	142
Total assets	30	142
Foreign exchange contracts - Liabilities	16	655
Total liabilities	16	655
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]	'	'
Money market fund	0	0
Foreign exchange contracts - Assets	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Foreign exchange contracts - Liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	$0	$0

Derivative_Instruments_Foreign

Derivative Instruments, Foreign Exchange Contracts (Details) (Foreign Exchange Contract [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
		Canada, Dollars	Canada, Dollars	Japan, Yen	Japan, Yen	United Kingdom, Pounds	United Kingdom, Pounds	Euro Member Countries, Euro	Euro Member Countries, Euro
		CAD	CAD	JPY (¥)	JPY (¥)	GBP (£)	GBP (£)	EUR (€)	EUR (€)
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Maturity Date	1-Jun-16	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign exchange contract outstanding	'	34,000	0	¥ 0	¥ 10,100,000	£ 106,000	£ 237,000	€ 1,500,000	€ 13,300,000

Derivative_Instruments_Fair_Va

Derivative Instruments, Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location (Details) (Foreign Exchange Contract [Member], Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated fair value of the contracts in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Asset derivatives	$30	$142
Liability derivatives	16	655
Net fair value	14	-513
Other Current Assets [Member]	'	'
Estimated fair value of the contracts in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Asset derivatives	23	140
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]	'	'
Estimated fair value of the contracts in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Asset derivatives	7	2
Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Estimated fair value of the contracts in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Liability derivatives	14	637
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Estimated fair value of the contracts in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Liability derivatives	$2	$18

Derivative_Instruments_Gain_Lo

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) On Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Foreign exchange contracts- change in fair value	$58	($481)	$312	($480)
Remeasurement of related contract receivables, billings in excess of revenue earned, and subcontractor accruals	11	403	-134	259
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net	$69	($78)	$178	($221)

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Pre-tax share based compensation expense	$175,000	$203,000	$514,000	$641,000
Shares granted under stock options (in shares)	0	0	60,000	64,500
Fair value of shares granted under stock option plan	$0	$0	$56,000	$78,000

LongTerm_Debt_Details

Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Performance Bond Abstract	'
Number of Standby Letters of Credit	12
Number of Surety Bonds	2
Letter of Credit and Surety Bonds	$4.40
Number of Performance and Bid Bonds issued in relation to contracts	12
Number of stand by letters of credit deposited in escrow accounts	12
Amount of escrow accounts, which are restricted until the associated standby letters of credit have expired	4.2
Susquehanna Bank [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Principal amount of the Susquehanna line of credit	7.5
Interest rate floor related to Susquehanna Bank agreement (in hundredths)	4.50%
Expiration date of credit agreements with Susquehanna Bank	31-Mar-15
Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount	3.1
Susquehanna Bank [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum tangible capital base [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms	'Must Exceed $26.0 million
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance	'$22.6 million
Susquehanna Bank [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Quick Ratio [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms	'Must Exceed 2.00 : 1.00
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance	'2.10 : 1.00
Susquehanna Bank [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Tangible capital base ratio [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms	'Not to Exceed .75 : 1.00
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance	'.69 : 1.00
Susquehanna Bank [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Segregated Cash Balance Requirement [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount	$3

Product_Warranty_Details

Product Warranty (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Activities in product warranty account [Abstract]	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	$1,851	'
Warranty provision	574	'
Warranty claims	905	'
Currency adjustment	-18	'
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Period Increase (Decrease), Total	-349	-266
Balance at September 30, 2014	$1,502	'

Contingent_Consideration_Detai

Contingent Consideration (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
					Contingent consideration accrued, current [Member]	Contingent consideration accrued, current [Member]	Contingent consideration accrued, noncurrent [Member]	Contingent consideration accrued, noncurrent [Member]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	'	'	'	'	$471	$492	$0	$409
Payments of the liability-classified contingent consideration arrangements	$0	$702	$500	$1,890	'	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 21, 2011
			Preferred Stock Rights Agreement [Member]	Preferred Stock Rights Agreement [Member]
				Right
Preferred Stock Rights	'	'	'	'
Date on which dividends payable was declared by Board of Directors	'	'	21-Mar-11	'
Number of preferred stock purchase right declared for each outstanding common stock (per right)	'	'	'	1
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01	'	$0.01
Number of rights issued with each issuance of common stock (per right)	'	'	'	1
Term of stockholder protection rights agreement	'	'	'3 years	'
Rights Agreement Amendment Date	'	'	21-Mar-14	'
Term of the Rights Agreement extension	'	'	'2 years	'
Rights Agreement Expiration Date	'	'	21-Mar-16	'
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 $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share Repurchase Plan [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Date on which the share repurchase plan was approved by the Board of Directors	'	'	21-Mar-11	'
Share Repurchase Plan Completion Date	'	'	31-Oct-13	'
Authorized amount under share repurchase plan by Board of Directors	$3,000,000	'	$3,000,000	'
Stock repurchased during period (in shares)	0	177,755	0	395,254
Stock repurchased during period	$0	$283,000	$0	$651,000

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 14, 2014
Hyperspring, LLC [Member]	'	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Subsequent Event, Date	14-Nov-14	'
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity	'Hyperspring, LLC	'
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$3,000,000	'
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	'	100.00%
Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration Agreement	'for the three-year period ending November 13, 2017.	'
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	'	8,400,000
IntelliQlik, LLC [Member]	'	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Subsequent Event, Date	14-Nov-14	'
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity	'IntelliQlik, LLC	'
Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture	250,000	'
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	'	50.00%
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	'	$250,000