Gse Systems (GVP) 10-K 19 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 18, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	GSE SYSTEMS INC
Entity Central Index Key	944480
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
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	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$13,583	$15,643
Restricted cash	613	45
Contract receivables, net	15,830	24,557
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,703	3,699
Total current assets	31,729	43,944
Equipment, software and leasehold improvements	7,055	7,090
Accumulated depreciation	5,229	5,175
Equipment, software and leasehold improvements, net	1,826	1,915
Software development costs, net	1,414	1,020
Goodwill	5,612	0
Intangible assets, net	1,279	709
Long-term restricted cash	3,591	1,021
Other assets	548	218
Total assets	45,999	48,827
Current liabilities
Long-term Line of Credit	339	0
Accounts payable	2,330	3,554
Accrued expenses	1,554	1,903
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes	2,595	2,497
Billings in excess of revenue earned	8,684	6,545
Accrued warranty	1,456	1,851
Current contingent consideration	2,842	492
Other current liabilities	473	1,111
Total current liabilities	20,273	17,953
Contingent consideration	1,948	409
Other liabilities	38	78
Total liabilities	22,259	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	72,917	72,205
Accumulated deficit	-45,142	-38,400
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,231	-614
Treasury stock at cost, 1,598,911 shares in 2014 and 2013	2,999	2,999
Total stockholders' equity	23,740	30,387
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$45,999	$48,827

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 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
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	17,887,859	17,887,859
Treasury stock at cost (in shares)	1,598,911	1,598,911

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Contract revenue	$37,930	$47,562
Cost of revenue	26,551	34,981
Write-down of capitalized software development costs	0	-2,174
Gross profit	11,379	10,407
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative	17,570	15,836
Goodwill impairment loss	0	4,462
Depreciation	545	570
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets	193	207
Total operating expenses	18,308	21,075
Operating loss	-6,929	-10,668
Interest income, net	143	105
Gain on derivative instruments, net	209	265
Other income (expense), net	1	-67
Loss before income taxes	-6,576	-10,365
Provision for income taxes	166	146
Net loss	($6,742)	($10,511)
Basic loss per common share	($0.38)	($0.58)
Diluted loss per common share	($0.38)	($0.58)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Net loss	($6,742)	($10,511)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-617	82
Non-cash tax provision	0	49
Comprehensive loss	($7,359)	($10,478)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
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
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation expense		810				810
Net issuances of stock pursuant to stock compensation plans	1	43				44
Net issuances of stock pursuant to stock compensation plans (in shares)	51,446
Foreign currency translation adjustment				82		82
Non-cash income tax adjustment				-49		-49
Treasury stock at cost					-819	-819
Treasury stock at cost (in shares)					-494,424
Net loss			-10,511			-10,511
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	17,887,859
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation expense		712				712
Foreign currency translation adjustment				-617		-617
Net loss			-6,742			-6,742
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$195	$72,917	($45,142)	($1,231)	($2,999)	$23,740
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	19,486,770				-1,598,911	17,887,859

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss	($6,742)	($10,511)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Goodwill impairment loss	0	4,462
Write-down of capitalized software development costs	0	-2,174
Depreciation	545	570
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets	193	207
Capitalized software amortization	-252	-541
Amortization of deferred financing costs	0	10
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	229	254
Stock-based compensation expense	712	810
Equity loss on investments	-55	-156
Gain on derivative instruments, net	209	265
Deferred income taxes	-22	-262
Changes in assets and liabilities
Contract receivables, net	-10,285	26
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-2,240	-204
Accounts payable, accrued compensation and accrued expenses	-2,136	-1,947
Billings in excess of revenue earned	2,109	531
Accrued warranty reserves	-395	-256
Other liabilities	-467	172
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	6,649	-3,176
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	398	399
Capitalized Software Development Costs	646	1,309
Investment in GSE-RUS LLC	0	46
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments	250	0
Acquisition of Hyperspring, LLC, net of cash acquired	2,848	0
Restrictions of cash as collateral under letters of credit	3,172	228
Releases of cash as collateral under letters of credit	34	1,099
Net cash used in investing activities	-7,280	-883
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	-410	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	44
Treasury stock purchases	0	819
Payments of the liability-classified contingent consideration arrangements	500	1,899
Net cash used in financing activities	-910	-2,674
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-519	-10
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-2,060	-6,743
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	15,643	22,386
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$13,583	$15,643

Business_and_Basis_of_Presenta

Business and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Business and Basis of Presentation	1.  Business and Basis of Presentation
	GSE Systems, Inc. ("GSE Systems", "GSE" or the "Company") improves human performance through a series of technologies and services that systematically helps clients with everything from recruiting and selecting the right person for the job to training that individual throughout their career from entry-level to expert.  We improve plant performance with a combination of engineering, simulation and plant services that help clients get their plants producing revenue faster, running them safely and responsibly decommissioning them.
	The Company's operations are subject to certain risks and uncertainties including, among others, rapid technological changes, success of the Company's product development, marketing and distribution strategies, the need to manage growth, the need to retain key personnel and protect intellectual property, and the availability of additional financing on terms acceptable to the Company.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Principles of consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
	Accounting estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.  On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the estimates used, including but not limited to those related to revenue recognition, the allowance for doubtful accounts, estimates of future warranty costs, impairments of goodwill and other intangible assets, valuation of intangible assets acquired and contingent consideration to be paid in business acquisitions, valuation of stock based compensation awards, and income taxes.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.
	Revenue recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue through (1) fixed price contracts on the sale of uniquely designed systems containing hardware, software and other materials which applies only to the Performance Improvement Solutions segment as well as (2) time and material contracts primarily through staff augmentation support and service agreements.
	In accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, the revenue under 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 of the claim.
	As the Company recognizes revenue under the percentage-of-completion method, it provides an accrual for estimated future warranty costs based on historical and projected claims experience.  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.
	We evaluate our contracts for multiple deliverables under ASC 605-25 Revenue Recognition-Multiple Element Arrangements, and when appropriate, separate the contracts into separate units of accounting for revenue recognition.  Contracts with multiple element arrangements typically include, but are not limited to, components such as training, licenses, and PCS, as described above, embedded in the agreement.  When a contract contains multiple deliverables, the Company allocates revenue to each deliverable based on its relative selling price which is determined based on its vendor specific objective evidence ("VSOE") if available, third party evidence ("TPE") if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price if neither VSOE nor TPE is available.  Amounts allocated to training and support services are based on VSOE and revenue is deferred until the services have been performed.  Amounts allocated to software licenses are also based on VSOE. Revenue related to software licenses is recognized once the license has been delivered.
	The Company recognizes revenue under time and materials contracts primarily from staff augmentation and certain consulting agreements.  Revenue on time and material contracts is recognized as services are rendered and performed.  Under a typical time-and-materials billing arrangement, customers are billed on a regularly scheduled basis, such as biweekly or monthly. At the end of each accounting period, revenue is estimated and accrued for services performed since the last billing cycle. These unbilled amounts are billed the following month.
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.
	The Company had $7.5 million and $9.5 million deposited in an unrestricted money market account with Susquehanna Bank on December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash consists of the cash collateralization of our outstanding letters of credit used for various advance payment, bid, surety and performance bonds, and negative foreign exchange positions which have been segregated into restricted money market accounts with Susquehanna Bank.  Susquehanna has complete and unconditional control over the restricted money market accounts.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had approximately$4.2 million, and $1.1 million, respectively, of cash in escrow accounts with Susquehanna.  The restricted cash balance has been classified within the Consolidated Balance Sheet as follows; $613,000 of current assets, and $3.6 million of long term assets at December 31, 2014, respectively, compared to $45,000 of current assets and $1.0 million of long-term assets at December 31, 2013. The Company recorded interest income of $7,000 and $8,000 from the escrow accounts in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The interest earned on these restricted funds is added to the restricted cash balance. We classify the restriction and release of the cash collateralization of our outstanding letters of credit as an investing activity within the consolidated statement of cash flows, as these deposits are not related to borrowings against our line of credit.
	Contract receivables
	Contract receivables include recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed which represents revenue recognized in excess of amounts billed.  The liability "Billings in excess of revenue earned" represents billings in excess of revenue recognized.
	Billed receivables are recorded at invoiced amounts.  The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on historical trends of past due accounts, write-offs, and specific identification and review of customer accounts.
	The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:
	(in thousands)		As of and for the
			Years ended December 31,
			2014			2013
	Beginning balance		$	2		$	2
	Current year provision			22			38
	Acquired allowance for doubtful accounts			20			-
	Current year write-offs			(22	)		(38	)
	Ending balance		$	22		$	2
	Equipment, software and leasehold improvements, net
	Equipment and purchased software are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method with estimated useful lives ranging from three to ten years.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the lease or the estimated useful life, whichever is shorter, using the straight-line method.  Upon sale or retirement, the cost and related depreciation are eliminated from the respective accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in operations. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
	Software development costs
	Certain computer software development costs are capitalized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  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 the future undiscounted cash flows.  The excess of any unamortized computer software costs over the related net realizable value is written down and charged to operations.
	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 performed in conjunction with our goodwill impairment test.
	Development expenditures
	Development expenditures incurred to meet customer specifications under contracts are charged to contract costs.  Company sponsored development expenditures are either charged to operations as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses or are capitalized as software development costs.  See Note 8, Software development costs.  The amounts incurred for Company sponsored development activities relating to the development of new products and services or the improvement of existing products and services, were approximately $3.8 million and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
	Impairment of long-lived assets
	Long-lived assets, such as equipment, software, capitalized computer software costs subject to amortization, and intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized at the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.  Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and would no longer be depreciated.
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The Company's intangible assets include amounts recognized in connection with business acquisitions, including customer relationships, contract backlog and software.  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 Company does not have any intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.
	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 Update ("ASU") number 2011-08 and Accounting Standards Codification 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (ASC 350).
	ASU number 2011-08 outlines the qualitative assessment (i.e., the "Step 0 Test") as a precursor to the traditional two-step quantitative process. The Step 0 Test effectively modifies Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 350-20-35, Goodwill – Subsequent Measurement. In general, the Step 0 Test allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (i.e., more than 50%) that the Fair Value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. In order to make this evaluation, the FASB outlines relevant examples and circumstances to consider, including:
	·	General macroeconomic conditions,
	·	Industry and market conditions,
	·	Changes in cost factors,
	·	Overall financial performance,
	·	Entity and reporting unit specific events, etc.
	If the qualitative factors outlined in the Step 0 Test indicates that the Fair Value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying value, than no additional testing is performed.  If the Step 0 Test indicates the Fair Value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform the additional impairment test in accordance with the provisions of ASC 350.
	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 two reporting units.  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.  Refer to Note 4, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, for information on the $4.5 million goodwill impairment loss taken during 2013.  No impairment losses were recognized during 2014.
	Foreign currency translation
	Balance sheet accounts for foreign operations are translated at the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date, and income statement accounts are translated at the average exchange rate for the period.  The resulting translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss.  Transaction gains and losses, resulting from changes in exchange rates, are recorded in operating income in the period in which they occur.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, foreign currency transaction losses were approximately $180,000, and $111,000, respectively.
	Accrued 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 accrued warranty accounts is as follows:
	(in thousands)		As of and for the
			Years ended December 31,
			2014			2013
	Beginning balance		$	1,851		$	2,107
	Current year provision			660			809
	Current year claims			(1,025	)		(1,065	)
	Currency adjustment			(30	)		-
	Ending balance		$	1,456		$	1,851
Income taxes
Income taxes are provided under the asset and liability method.  Under this method, deferred income taxes are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.  Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.  A provision is made for the Company's current liability for federal, state and foreign income taxes and the change in the Company's deferred income tax assets and liabilities.
We establish accruals for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return 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. Favorable or unfavorable adjustment of the accrual for any particular issue would be recognized as an increase or decrease to income tax expense in the period of a change in facts and circumstances. Interest and penalties related to income taxes are accounted for as income tax expense.
Stock-based compensation
Compensation expense related to share based awards is recognized on a pro rata straight-line basis based on the value of share awards that are scheduled to vest during the requisite service period.  During the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, and 2013 the Company recognized $712,000, and $810,000, respectively, of pre-tax stock-based compensation expense under the fair value method.  As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $0.7 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of outstanding stock option awards expected to be recognized through November 2016.
Loss per 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 or warrants were exercised.
The number of common shares and common share equivalents used in the determination of basic and diluted loss per share were as follows:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013
Numerator:
Net loss attributed to common stockholders		$	(6,742	)	$	(10,511	)
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share			17,887,859			18,150,915
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options and warrants			-			-
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed conversions for diluted earnings per share			17,887,859			18,150,915
Shares related to dilutive securities excluded because inclusion would be anti-dilutive			2,811,709			2,919,521
Conversion of outstanding stock options and warrants was not assumed for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 because the impact was anti-dilutive.
Concentration of credit risk
The Company is subject to concentration of credit risk with respect to contract receivables. Credit risk on contract receivables is mitigated by the nature of the Company's worldwide customer base and its credit policies.  The Company's customers are not concentrated in any specific geographic region, but are concentrated in the energy industry. The following customers have provided more than 10% of the Company's consolidated contract receivables for the indicated periods:
	December 31,
	2014		2013
State Nuclear Power Automation System Engineering Co.	10.20%		5.90%
Slovenské elektrárne, a.s.	1.90%		35.90%
Fair values of financial instruments
The carrying amounts of current assets and current liabilities reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value due to their short term duration.
Contingent consideration for business acquisitions
Acquisitions may include contingent consideration payments based on future financial measures of an acquired company. Contingent consideration is required to be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. We estimate the fair value of these liabilities based on financial projections of the acquired companies and estimated probabilities of achievement. At each reporting date, the contingent consideration obligation is revalued to estimated fair value and changes in fair value subsequent to the acquisition are reflected in income or expense in the consolidated statements of operations, and could cause a material impact to our operating results. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration obligations may result from changes in discount periods and rates, changes in the timing and amount of revenue and/or earnings estimates and changes in probability assumptions with respect to the likelihood of achieving the various earn-out criteria.
Deferred financing fees
The Company amortizes the cost incurred to obtain debt financing using the straight-line method over the term of the underlying obligations.  The amortization of deferred financing costs is included in interest expense.  The Company recognized $10,000 of expense related to the amortization of deferred financing costs during the year ended December 31, 2013.  The Company recognized no amortization of deferred financing costs during the year ended December 31, 2014.
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 December 31, 2014, the Company had foreign exchange contracts outstanding of approximately 0.3 million Pounds Sterling, 1.4 million Euro, 0.8 million Australian Dollars, and 0.5 million Malaysian Ringgits.  At December 31, 2013, the Company had foreign exchange contracts outstanding of approximately 0.2 million Pounds Sterling, 13.3 million Euro, and 10.1 million Japanese Yen at fixed rates. The contracts expire on various dates through November 2016.  The Company had not designated the foreign exchange contracts as hedges and had recorded the estimated fair value of the contracts in the consolidated balance sheet as follows:
		December 31,
(in thousands)		2014			2013
Asset derivatives
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	71		$	140
Other assets			21			2
			92			142
Liability derivatives
Other current liabilities			(23	)		(637	)
Other liabilities			(1	)		(18	)
			(24	)		(655	)
Net fair value		$	68		$	(513	)
The changes in the fair value of the foreign exchange contracts are included in gain on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations.
The foreign currency denominated trade receivables, unbilled 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 gain on derivative instruments in the consolidated statement of operations.
For the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, the Company recognized a net gain on its derivative instruments as outlined below:
		Years ended December 31,
(in thousands)		2014			2013
Foreign exchange contracts- change in fair value		$	365		$	(489	)
Remeasurement of related contract receivables and billings in excess of revenue earned			(156	)		754
		$	209		$	265
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
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 combined financial statements and has not yet determined the method by which it will adopt the standard in 2017.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	3.  Acquisitions
	Hyperspring, LLC
	On November 14, 2014, (the "Closing Date") 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 operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of GSE Power.  The purchase price allocation included customer relationship intangible assets valued at $779,000 which are being amortized over seven years.
	GSE Power paid the Sellers an aggregate of $3.0 million in cash at the closing date.  Hyperspring is in the process of bidding on a renewal of its current contract with the Tennessee Valley Authority ("TVA").  If Hyperspring is successful in renewing the TVA contract for substantially the same scope as currently being provided and at a profit margin that is greater than 15% on or before May 15, 2015, GSE will pay the Hyperspring members an additional $1.2 million.  In addition, GSE Power may be required, pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, to pay the Sellers up to an additional an additional $7.2 million if Hyperspring attains certain EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) targets for the three-year period ending November 13, 2017.   However, if Hyperspring is not successful in renewing the TVA contracts, GSE may still be required 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.  Whether or not the TVA contract is renewed the  total cash paid to the Hyperspring members may total $11.4 million.
	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 a former member of Hyperspring. See Note 17 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 for further discussion related to IntelliQlik.
	To assist our clients in creating world-class internal training and performance improvement programs, GSE is building an E2E (Entry2Expert) Performance Solution.  The Performance Solution includes a set of integrated and scalable products and services that provide a structured training program, from employee selection and onboarding through continuous skills improvement for experienced employees.  The Hyperspring acquisition, through its staff of instructors, engineers and specialist, and the IntelliQlik training platform, once completed, will increase the breadth of solutions that GSE can offer within the E2E Performance Solution program.
	Hyperspring's results of operations are included in the consolidated financial statements for the period beginning November 14, 2014.
	The following table summarizes the purchase price and purchase price allocation for the acquisition of Hyperspring, LLC, acquired on November 14, 2014.
			(Dollars in thousands)
			Hyperspring, LLC
	Cash purchase price		$	3,000
	Fair value of contingent consideration			3,953
	Total purchase price		$	6,953
	Purchase price allocation:
	Cash		$	152
	Contract receivables			1,719
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			23
	Property and equipment, net			12
	Intangible assets			779
	Goodwill			5,612
	Total assets			8,297
	Line of credit			749
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities			586
	Billings in excess of revenue earned			9
	Total liabilities			1,344
	Net assets acquired		$	6,953
	Pro forma results.  Our consolidated financial statements include the operating results of Hyperspring as of the date of acquisition.  For the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the unaudited pro forma financial information below assumes that our material business acquisition of Hyperspring occurred on January 1, 2013.
	(in thousands except per share data)	(unaudited)
		Year ended
		December 31,
	Pro forma financial information including the acquisition of Hyperspring	2014				2013
	Revenue		$	53,611			$	66,587
	Operating loss			(6,149	)			(10,534	)
	Net loss			(5,977	)			(1,711	)
	Loss per common share — basic		$	(0.33	)		$	(0.57	)
	Loss per common share — diluted		$	(0.33	)		$	(0.57	)
	Contingent Consideration
	ASC Topic 805 requires that contingent consideration be recognized at fair value on the acquisition date and be re-measured each reporting period with subsequent adjustments recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. We estimate the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities based on financial projections of the acquired companies and estimated probabilities of achievement and discount the liabilities to present value using a weighted-average cost of capital. Contingent consideration is valued using significant inputs that are not observable in the market which are defined as Level 3 inputs pursuant to fair value measurement accounting. We believe our estimates and assumptions are reasonable, however, there is significant judgment involved. At each reporting date, the contingent consideration obligation is revalued to estimated fair value, and changes in fair value subsequent to the acquisitions are reflected in income or expense in the consolidated statements of operations, and could cause a material impact to, and volatility in, our operating results. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration obligations may result from changes in discount periods, changes in the timing and amount of revenue and/or earnings estimates and changes in probability assumptions with respect to the likelihood of achieving the various earn-out criteria.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, contingent consideration included in the other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet totaled $2.8 million and $492,000, respectively.  As of December 31, 2014  and 2013, we also had accrued contingent consideration totaling $1.9 million 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.
	(in thousands)
			December 31,
			2014				2013
	Hyperspring, LLC		$	2,152			$	-
	IntelliQlik, LLC			213				-
	EnVision Systems, Inc.			477				492
	Current contingent consideration			2,842				492
	Hyperspring, LLC			1,948				-
	EnVision Systems, Inc.			-				409
	Contingent consideration		$	1,948			$	409

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	4.  Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 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 December 31, 2013		$	-
	2014 Activity
	Acquisition			5,612
	Net book value at December 31, 2014		$	5,612
	We review goodwill for impairment annually as of November 30 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. We test goodwill at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment, or one level below an operating segment, as defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. After the acquisition of Hyperspring, LLC ("Hyperspring") on November 14, 2014, our reporting units are: (i) Performance Improvement Solutions and (ii) Staff Augmentation.  At December 31, 2014, the total $5.6 million balance of goodwill was represented by Hyperspring or our Staff Augmentation segment.
	Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment ("ASU 2011-08") permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test.  Under ASU 2011-08, an entity is not required to perform step one of the goodwill impairment test for a reporting unit if it is more likely than not that its fair value is greater than its carrying amount.  For our annual goodwill impairment test, we performed a qualitative assessment as permitted by ASU 2011-08 for the Staff Augmentation reporting unit.  Based on the reporting unit's positive revenue, order and gross margin results since the acquisition, we determined that it was more likely than not that the fair values of each of our reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values.
	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 our most recent 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 values 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 impairment loss.  The impairment was non-cash in nature and did not affect the Company's current liquidity, and did not impact the debt covenants under the Company's existing credit facility.
	Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization
	The following table shows the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangibles related to continuing operations:
	(in thousands)	As of December 31, 2014
		Gross Carrying Amount				Accumulated Amortization				Net
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer relationships		$	1,425			$	(695	)		$	730
	Non-contractual customer relationships			911				(618	)			293
	Developed technology			471				(236	)			235
	In process research and development			152				(136	)			16
	Contract backlog			36				(36	)			-
	Trade names and other			29				(29	)			-
	Foreign currency translation			7				(2	)			5
	Total		$	3,031			$	(1,752	)		$	1,279
	(in thousands)	As of December 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying Amount				Accumulated Amortization				Net
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer relationships		$	646			$	(646	)		$	-
	Non-contractual customer relationships			911				(557	)			354
	Developed technology			471				(177	)			294
	In process research and development			152				(127	)			25
	Contract backlog			36				(36	)			-
	Trade names and other			29				(29	)			-
	Foreign currency translation			52				(16	)			36
	Total		$	2,297			$	(1,588	)		$	709
	Amortization is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the intangible assets, except for contractual customer relationships and contract backlog, which is recognized in proportion to the related projected revenue streams. The Company reviews specific definite-lived intangibles for impairment when events occur that may impact their value in accordance with the respective accounting guidance for long-lived assets.  There were no impairment charges recorded for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013.
	Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets totaled $193,000, and $207,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively.  The following table shows the estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets for the next five years and thereafter:
	(in thousands)
	Fiscal year ending:
	2015		$	494
	2016			296
	2017			207
	2018			160
	2019			74
	Thereafter			48
			$	1,279

Contract_Receivables

Contract Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Contract Receivables [Abstract]
Contract Receivables	5.  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)	December 31,
		2014			2013
	Billed receivables	$	10,792		$	19,040
	Recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed		5,060			5,519
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		(22	)		(2	)
	Total contract receivables, net	$	15,830		$	24,557

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Abstract]
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Table Text Block]	6.  Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:
	(in thousands)	December 31,
		2014		2013
	Prepaid expenses	$	539	$	630
	Deferred income taxes- current		27		13
	Value added tax receivable		533		409
	Receivable from sale of 49% stake in GSE-UNIS		-		1,183
	Other current assets		604		1,464
	Total	$	1,703	$	3,699
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:
	(in thousands)	December 31,
		2014		2013
	Prepaid expenses	$	539	$	630
	Deferred income taxes- current		27		13
	Value added tax receivable		533		409
	Receivable from sale of 49% stake in GSE-UNIS		-		1,183
	Other current assets		604		1,464
	Total	$	1,703	$	3,699
	In 2013, the Company agreed to sell its 49% stake in GSE-UNIS Simulation Technology Co., Ltd ("GSE-UNIS") to its partner, Beijing Unis Venture Capital Co., Ltd. and terminate the joint venture agreement as of July 31, 2013. The sales price was basically equivalent to the Company's investment in GSE-UNIS as of the closing date.

Equipment_Software_and_Leaseho

Equipment, Software, and Leasehold Improvements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equipment, Software and Leasehold Improvements [Abstract]
Equipment, Software and Leasehold Improvements	7.  Equipment, Software and Leasehold Improvements
	Equipment, software and leasehold improvements consist of the following:
	(in thousands)	December 31,
		2014			2013
	Computer equipment	$	3,235		$	3,304
	Software		1,429			1,348
	Leasehold improvements		543			446
	Furniture and fixtures		1,848			1,992
			7,055			7,090
	Accumulated depreciation		(5,229	)		(5,175	)
	Equipment, software and leasehold improvements, net	$	1,826		$	1,915
	Depreciation expense was $545,000 and $570,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Software_Development_Costs_net

Software Development Costs, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Software Development Costs, net [Abstract]
Software Development Costs	8.  Software Development Costs, net
	Software development costs, net consist of the following:
	(in thousands)	December 31,
		2014			2013
	Beginning Balance	$	1,020		$	2,426
	Additions		646			1,309
	Amortization		(252	)		(541	)
	Impairments		-			(2,174	)
	Ending Balance	$	1,414		$	1,020
	Software development costs capitalized were $0.6 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Amortization of software development costs capitalized was $252,000 and $541,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and was included in cost of revenue.
	During the second quarter of 2013, the Company incurred an impairment charge of $2.2 million related to the write-down of certain capitalized software development costs based on the net realizable value analysis.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9.  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 principle 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 cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, to approximate the fair value of the respective assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 based upon the short-term nature of the assets and liabilities.
	The Company had $7.5 million and $9.5 million deposited in an unrestricted money market account with Susquehanna Bank on December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company was contingently liable for twelve standby letters of credit and one surety bonds totaling $4.2 million which represent advance payment and performance bonds on eleven contracts.  The Company has deposited the full value of eleven standby letters of credit, $4.2 million, into money market escrow accounts 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 December 31, 2014 as restricted cash and long-term restricted cash depending on the expiration date of the underlying letters of credit.
	The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2014:
		Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant
		in Active Markets		Other Observable			Unobservable
		for Identical Assets		Inputs			Inputs
	(in thousands)	(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)		Total
	Money market funds	$	11,661	$	-		$	-	$	11,661
	Foreign exchange contracts		-		92			-		92
	Total assets	$	11,661	$	92		$	-	$	11,753
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	-	$	(24	)	$	-	$	(24	)
	Total liabilities	$	-	$	(24	)	$	-	$	(24	)
	The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2013:
		Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant
		in Active Markets		Other Observable			Unobservable
		for Identical Assets		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	)
	For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not have any transfers between fair value Level 1 and Level 2.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	10.  Long-Term Debt
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had no long-term debt.
	Line of Credit
	Susquehanna Bank
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had a Master Loan and Security Agreement and Revolving Credit Note with Susquehanna Bank ("Susquehanna").  The Company and its subsidiary, GSE Performance Solutions, Inc., were 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 1/2%.  The agreement expires on 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, proceeds and products, intangibles, trademarks, patents, intellectual property, 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 is to maintain a segregated 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 line of credit.  At December 31, 2014, the cash collateral account totaled $4.2 million and was classified as restricted cash on the balance sheet.
	The credit agreement contains certain restrictive covenants regarding future acquisitions and incurrence of debt.  In addition, the credit agreement contains financial covenants with respect to the Company's cash flow coverage ratio, minimum tangible capital base, quick ratio, and tangible capital base ratio.
			As of
		Covenant	31-Dec-14
	Cash flow coverage ratio	Must Exceed 1.20 : 1.00	-12.11 : 1.00
	Minimum tangible capital base	Must Exceed $26.0 million	$15.4 million
	Quick ratio	Must Exceed 2.00 : 1.00	1.57 : 1.00
	Tangible capital base ratio	Not to Exceed .75 : 1.00	1.44 : 1.00
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company was not in compliance with any of its covenants as defined above, however, the Company has received a written waiver from Susquehanna Bank for noncompliance.
	IberiaBank
	On November 14, 2014, the acquisition date, Hyperspring, LLC had a $1.0 million working capital line of credit with IberiaBank.  Interest was payable monthly at a rate of the prime rate of interest as published in the money rate section of the Wall Street Journal plus 2.50%. The effective rate at November 14, 2014 was 5.750%. The line was secured by all accounts and was guaranteed by the members of Hyperspring, LLC.  At November 14, 2014 the outstanding balance on the line of credit was $749,000.
	On December 7, 2014, the working capital line of credit matured while the Company was renegotiating the new terms with IberiaBank subsequent to the acquisition of Hyperspring.  On January 22, 2015, a promissory note was executed between Hyperspring, LLC and IberiaBank to extend the $1.0 million line of credit until June 30, 2015. Under the new terms, interest is payable monthly at a rate of the prime rate of interest as published in the money rate section of the Wall Street Journal plus 1.00 %. The effective rate at the date of the promissory note was 4.25 %. The line is secured by all accounts and guaranteed by GSE Systems, Inc.
	At December 31, 2014 the outstanding balance on the line of credit was $339,000.  Subsequent to year end, the outstanding balance on the line of credit was repaid.
	The Company draws on the IberiaBank line of credit as needed mainly to provide for payroll funding for Hyperspring. The line is replenished through collection of receivables obtained in the following weeks.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	11.  Income Taxes
	The consolidated loss before income taxes, by domestic and foreign sources, is as follows:
	(in thousands)	Years ended December 31,
		2014				2013
	Domestic		$	(4,608	)		$	(7,797	)
	Foreign			(1,968	)			(2,568	)
	Total		$	(6,576	)		$	(10,365	)
	The provision for income taxes is as follows:
	(in thousands)		Years ended December 31,
			2014				2013
	Current:
	Federal		$	-			$	4
	State			10				22
	Foreign			178				382
	Subtotal			188				408
	Deferred:
	Federal			24				-
	Foreign			(46	)			(262	)
	Subtotal			(22	)			(262	)
	Total		$	166			$	146
	The Company is entitled to a deduction for federal and state tax purposes with respect to employees' stock option activity.  As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $5.4 million of unrecognized excess tax deductions related to compensation for stock option exercises which will be recognized when the net operating loss carryforwards are fully utilized and those excess tax benefits result in a reduction to income taxes payable.
	The effective income tax rate differed from the statutory federal income tax rate due to the following:
		Effective Tax Rate Percentage (%)
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013
	Statutory federal income tax rate	34.00%		34.00%
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	-0.10%		-0.10%
	Effect of foreign operations	-10.20%		-6.90%
	Tax benefit resulting from OCI allocation	0.00%		0.50%
	Change in valuation allowance	-22.80%		-12.10%
	Other, principally permanent differences	-3.40%		-16.80%
	Effective tax rate	-2.50%		-1.40%
	Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements.  A summary of the tax effect of the significant components of the deferred income tax liabilities is as follows:
	(in thousands)		Years ended December 31,
			2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards		$	7,745			$	5,589
	Capital loss carryforwards			615				703
	Accruals			485				337
	Reserves			521				611
	Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards			166				166
	Other			1,484				1,701
	Total deferred tax asset			11,016				9,107
	Valuation allowance			(10,006	)			(7,057	)
	Total deferred tax asset less valuation allowance			1,010				2,050
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiary			(102	)			(1,228	)
	Software development costs			(542	)			(384	)
	Other			(397	)			(491	)
	Total deferred tax liability			(1,041	)			(2,103	)
	Net deferred tax liability		$	(31	)		$	(53	)
	In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.  Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities and projected future income in making this assessment.
	Management believes that the Company will achieve profitable operations in future years that will enable the Company to recover the benefit of its deferred tax assets. However, other than for a portion of the deferred tax assets that are related to the Company's Indian subsidiary, the Company presently does not have sufficient objective evidence to substantiate the recovery of the deferred tax assets. Accordingly, the Company has established a full $10.0 million valuation allowance on its U.S., Swedish, and Chinese deferred tax assets at December 31, 2014.  The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets increased by $2.9 million in 2014, and increased by $31,000 in 2013.
	The Company has recorded a deferred tax liability in the amount of $24,000 at December 31, 2014, relating to the tax amortization of goodwill that cannot be offset by deferred tax assets because the anticipated reversal of the deferred tax liability is outside of the anticipated reversal of the deferred tax assets.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company's largest deferred tax asset of $6.8 million primarily relates to a U.S. net operating loss carryforward of $19.1 million which expires in various amounts between 2020 and 2034.  The amount of U.S. loss carryforward which can be used by the Company each year is limited due to changes in the Company's ownership which occurred in 2003.  Thus, a portion of the Company's loss carryforward may expire unutilized.
	Uncertain Tax Positions
	During 2014 and 2013, the Company also recorded $20,000 and $187,000, respectively, of tax liabilities for certain foreign tax contingencies, respectively.  The Company made payments of $211,000 and $103,000 during 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to these foreign tax liabilities.  The Company recorded these uncertain tax positions in other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet, and recorded the associated interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense.  In 2014 and 2013, the Company accrued $2,000 and $2,000 of interest and penalties, respectively.
	Intraperiod tax allocation
	The Company utilizes the with-and-without intraperiod tax allocation approach as described in ASC 740-20-45-12 which results in the use of the windfall tax benefits being utilized last.

Capital_Stock

Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	12.  Capital Stock
	The Company's Board of Directors has authorized 32,000,000 total shares of capital stock, of which 30,000,000 are designated as common stock and 2,000,000 are designated as preferred stock.  The Board of Directors has the authority to establish one or more classes of preferred stock and to determine, within any class of preferred stock, the preferences, rights and other terms of such class.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company has reserved 3,856,240 shares of common stock for issuance; 2,708,273 shares upon exercise of outstanding stock options; and 1,147,967 shares for future grants under the Company's 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
	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 did not repurchase shares during 2014.  The Company repurchased 494,424 shares at an aggregate cost of $819,000 in the year ended December 31, 2013.
	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 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.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	13.  Stock-Based Compensation
	Long-term incentive plan
	During 1995, the Company established the 1995 Long-Term Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"), which permits the granting of stock options (including incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options) stock appreciation rights, restricted or unrestricted stock awards, phantom stock, performance awards or any combination of these to employees, directors or consultants.  Options to purchase shares of the Company's common stock under the Plan expire in either seven or ten years from the date of grant and become exercisable in three, five, or seven installments with a certain percentage of options vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and additional options vesting on each of the subsequent anniversaries of the grant date, subject to acceleration under certain circumstances.  The Plan expires on June 30, 2018; the total  number of shares that could be issued under the Plan is 5,500,000.  As of December 31, 2014, 1,643,760 shares have been issued under the Plan, 2,708,273 stock options were outstanding under the Plan, while 1,147,967 stock options remained to be granted under the Plan.
	The Company recognizes compensation expense on a pro rata straight-line basis over the requisite service period for stock-based compensation awards with both graded and cliff vesting terms.  The Company recognizes the cumulative effect of a change in the number of awards expected to vest in compensation expense in the period of change.  The Company has not capitalized any portion of its stock-based compensation.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, the Company recognized $712,000, and $810,000, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense under the fair value method.
	Stock option activity
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted stock options to purchase 158,573 shares of common stock to GSE directors and employees.  During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company granted stock options to purchase 293,000 shares of common stock to GSE directors and employers.
	Information with respect to stock option activity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
			Number			Weighted		Aggregate		Weighted
			of Shares			Average		Intrinsic		Average
						Exercise		Value (in thousands)		Remaining
						Price				Contractual Life
										(Years)
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013			3,035,987		$	3.38
	Options granted			158,573			2.03
	Options exercised			-			-
	Options forfeited			(486,287	)		4.35
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014			2,708,273			3.12	$	-		3.55
	Options expected to vest			681,983			2.23	$	-		4.48
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2014			2,026,290		$	3.42	$	-		3.23
	Information with respect to stock option activity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 is as follows:
			Number			Weighted		Aggregate		Weighted
			of Shares			Average		Intrinsic		Average
						Exercise		Value (in thousands)		Remaining
						Price				Contractual Life
										(Years)
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012			3,070,803		$	3.4
	Options granted			293,000			1.76
	Options exercised			(162,000	)		1.62
	Options forfeited			(165,816	)		2.71
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013			3,035,987			3.38	$	-		4.32
	Options expected to vest			1,287,801			2.37	$	-		5.28
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2013			1,748,186		$	4.12	$	-		3.62
	A summary of the status of the Company's nonvested options as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014 is presented below.
			Number of Shares			Weighted Average Fair Value
	Nonvested options at December 31, 2013			1,287,801		$	1.33
	Options granted			158,573			0.67
	Options forfeited			(190,433	)		1.29
	Options vested during the period			(573,958	)		1.29
	Nonvested options at December 31, 2014			681,983		$	1.22
	A summary of the status of the Company's nonvested options as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 is presented below.
			Number of Shares			Weighted Average Fair Value
	Nonvested options at December 31, 2012			1,750,107		$	1.43
	Options granted			293,000			0.9
	Options forfeited			(120,646	)		1.19
	Options vested during the period			(634,660	)		1.45
	Nonvested options at December 31, 2013			1,287,801		$	1.33
	The fair value of the options granted in 2014 and 2013 were estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013
	Risk-free interest rates	1.29 - 2.15%		.85 - 1.68%
	Dividend yield	0%		0%
	Expected life	3.81 - 7.00 years		5.49 - 7.00 years
	Volatility	49.89 - 50.34%		51.31 - 56.80%
	Weighted average volatility	50.06%		52.46%
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $0.7 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of outstanding stock options expected to be recognized on a pro-rata straight line basis over a weighted average remaining service period of approximately 4.48 years.
	No stock options were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2014.  The Company received cash for the exercise price associated with stock options exercised of $44,000 and the total intrinsic value realized by participants on stock options exercised was $57,000 during the year ended December 31, 2013.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	14.  Commitments and Contingencies
	Leases
	The Company is obligated under certain noncancelable operating leases for office facilities and equipment.  Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	(in thousands)	Gross Future
		Minimum Lease
		Payments
	2015	$	1,163
	2016		897
	2017		823
	2018		746
	2019		612
	Thereafter		1,867
	Total	$	6,108
	Total rent expense under operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, was approximately $1.4 million, and $1.1 million, respectively.
	Standby Letters of credit, bank guarantees, surety bonds and performance bonds
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company was contingently liable for twelve standby letters of credit and one surety bonds totaling $4.2 million which represent advance payment and performance bonds on eleven contracts.  The Company has deposited the full value of eleven standby letters of credit, $4.2 million, into money market escrow accounts 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 December 31, 2014 as restricted cash and long-term restricted cash depending on the expiration date of the underlying letters of credit.
	Contingencies
	Various actions and proceedings are presently pending to which the Company is a party. In the opinion of management, the aggregate liabilities, if any, arising from such actions are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

Employee_Benefits

Employee Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefits	15.  Employee Benefits
	The Company has a qualified defined contribution plan that covers substantially all U.S. employees under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Under this plan, the Company's stipulated basic contribution matches a portion of the participants' contributions based upon a defined schedule.  The Company's contributions to the plan were approximately $256,000 and $270,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	16.  Segment Information
	The Company has two reportable business segments.  The Performance Improvement Solutions
	business segment provides simulation, training and engineering products and services delivered across the breadth of industries we serve.  Solutions include simulation for both training and engineering applications.  Example training applications include turnkey and custom training services, while engineering services include plant design verification and validation. We provide these services across all our market segments.  Contracts typically range from 10 months to three years.
	The Staff Augmentation services segment provide specialized workforce solutions primarily to the nuclear industry, working at our clients' facilities.  This business is managed through our Hyperspring, LLC subsidiary.  The business model, management focus, margins and other factors clearly separate this business line from the rest of the GSE product and service portfolio.  Hyperspring has been providing these services since 2005.
	The following table sets forth the revenue and operating results attributable to each reportable segment and includes a reconciliation of segment revenue to consolidated revenue and operating results to consolidated income before income tax expense:
	(in thousands)		Years ended December 31,
			2014				2013
	Contract revenue:
	Performance Improvement Solutions		$	35,675			$	47,562
	Staff Augmentation			2,255				-
			$	37,930			$	47,562
	Operating income (loss):
	Performance Improvement Solutions		$	(6,805	)		$	(10,414	)
	Staff Augmentation			105				-
	Loss on change in fair value of contingent consideration, net			(229	)			(254	)
	Operating loss		$	(6,929	)		$	(10,668	)
	Interest income, net			143				105
	Gain on derivative instruments, net			209				265
	Other income (expense) , net			1				(67	)
	Net loss		$	(6,576	)		$	(10,365	)
	Additional information relating to our business segments is as follows:
	(in thousands)		December 31,
			2014				2013
	Identifiable assets:
	Performance Improvement Solutions		$	38,309			$	48,827
	Staff Augmentation			8,090				-
	Intercompany receivable elimination			(400	)			-
	Total Assets		$	45,999			$	48,827
	For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, 57% and 65%, respectively, of the Company's consolidated revenue was from customers in the nuclear power industry. The Company designs, develops and delivers business and technology solutions to the energy industry worldwide.  Revenue, operating income (loss) and total assets for the Company's United States, European, and Asian subsidiaries as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
	(in thousands)	Year ended December 31, 2014
		United States				Europe				Asia				Eliminations				Consolidated
	Contract revenue		$	29,038			$	6,414			$	2,478			$	-			$	37,930
	Transfers between geographic locations			2,176				741				1,242				(4,159	)			-
	Total contract revenue		$	31,214			$	7,155			$	3,720			$	(4,159	)		$	37,930
	Operating loss		$	(4,743	)		$	(2,094	)		$	(92	)		$	-			$	(6,929	)
	Total assets, at December 31		$	116,586			$	5,828			$	4,694			$	(81,109	)		$	45,999
	(in thousands)	Year ended December 31, 2013
		United States				Europe				Asia				Eliminations				Consolidated
	Contract revenue		$	33,419			$	8,639			$	5,504			$	-			$	47,562
	Transfers between geographic locations			5,602				446				636				(6,684	)			-
	Total contract revenue		$	39,021			$	9,085			$	6,140			$	(6,684	)		$	47,562
	Operating income (loss)		$	(7,767	)		$	(3,053	)		$	152			$	-			$	(10,668	)
	Total assets, at December 31		$	67,255			$	11,206			$	6,508			$	(36,142	)		$	48,827
	Approximately 52% and 67%, of the Company's 2014 and 2013 revenue, respectively, was derived from international sales of its products and services from all of its subsidiaries.

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	18.  Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
	(in thousands)	Year ended December 31,
		2014		2013
	Cash paid:
	Interest	$	1	$	-
	Income taxes	$	395	$	539
	Non-cash financing activities:
	Hyperspring, LLC (1)	$	3,953	$	-
	IntelliQlik, LLC (2)		207		-
	Total accrued contingent consideration	$	4,160	$	-
	(1) Total accrued contingent consideration recorded on November 14, 2014, the date of the Hyperspring acquisition.
	(2) Total accrued contingent consideration recorded on November 14, 2014, the date of the Company's investment in IntelliQlik.

Equity_Method_Investments_and_

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Text Block]	17.  Equity Method Investments
	Investments in partnerships, joint ventures, and less-than-majority owned subsidiaries in which the Company has significant influence are accounted for under the equity method.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had the following equity investments.
	IntelliQlik, LLC
	In conjunction with the Hyperspring acquisition, the Company 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 as of September 30, 2015. IntelliQlik is jointly owned by GSE and a former member 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.
	The Company determined that the outcome of IntelliQlik reaching the milestones was probable and therefore evaluated the contingent consideration liability under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 450-20-30, Loss Contingencies - Initial Measurement.  Based on the progress of IntelliQlik and the timeframe to achieve the milestones, the Company estimates that there is a significant probability that IntelliQlik will reach the milestones by September 2015 and accordingly has recorded a contingent liability of $213,000 at December 31, 2014 which is included in the current contingent consideration line of the consolidated balance sheet.   Equity gains and losses incurred by IntelliQlik are recorded within the Performance Improvement Solutions segment according to the Company's 50% interest.   As of December 31, 2014, the carrying value of our investment was $440,000.
	General Simulation Engineering RUS Limited Liability Company
	On May 22, 2013, the Company and Electrobalt Holding, a Russian Federation closed joint-stock company, created a 50/50 joint venture called General Simulation Engineering RUS Limited Liability Company ("GSE RUS"). GSE's equity contribution was 1.5 million Roubles ($46,000) and was paid to the joint venture in November 2013.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying value of our investment was $0 and $38,000, respectively.
	GSE-UNIS Simulation Technology Co., Ltd
	In 2013, the Company agreed to sell its 49% stake in GSE-UNIS Simulation Technology Co., Ltd ("GSE-UNIS") to its partner, Beijing Unis Venture Capital Co., Ltd. and terminate the joint venture agreement as of July 31, 2013.  The Company had accounted for this joint venture as an equity method investment. The sales price was basically equivalent to the Company's investment in GSE-UNIS as of the closing date. In 2013, the Company agreed to sell its 49% stake in GSE-UNIS Simulation Engineering Co., Ltd to its partner, Beijing Unis Venture Capital Co., Ltd. for $1.2 million and terminate the joint venture agreement as of July 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2013 we had classified this receivable within Other Current Assets. We received the $1.2 million in December 2014.
	Schedule of Equity Losses
	We had the following net losses of our equity method investments during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.  The losses from equity method investments are included in Other income (expense), net within the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	(in thousands)	Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Equity Method Investment
	IntelliQlik, LLC	$	(17	)	$	-
	General Simulation Engineering RUS LLC		(38	)		(8	)
	GSE-UNIS Simulation Technology , Ltd.		-			(148	)
	Total loss from equity method investments	$	(55	)	$	(156	)

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	19.  Subsequent Event
	During 2014, Hyperspring, LLC had a $1.0 million working capital line of credit with IberiaBank. On December 7, 2014, the working capital line of credit matured while the bank was renegotiating the new terms with GSE Systems, Inc. and Hyperspring, LLC subsequent to the acquisition of Hyperspring (See Note 3). On January 22, 2015, a promissory note was executed between Hyperspring, LLC and IberiaBank to extend the $1.0 million line of credit until June 30, 2015. Under the new terms, interest is payable monthly at a rate of the prime rate of interest as published in the money rate section of the Wall Street Journal plus 1.00 %. The effective rate at the date of the promissory note was 4.25 %. The line is secured by all accounts and guaranteed by GSE Systems, Inc.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of consolidation	Principles of consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Accounting estimates	Accounting estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.  On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the estimates used, including but not limited to those related to revenue recognition, the allowance for doubtful accounts, estimates of future warranty costs, impairments of goodwill and other intangible assets, valuation of intangible assets acquired and contingent consideration to be paid in business acquisitions, valuation of stock based compensation awards, and income taxes.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue through (1) fixed price contracts on the sale of uniquely designed systems containing hardware, software and other materials which applies only to the Performance Improvement Solutions segment as well as (2) time and material contracts primarily through staff augmentation support and service agreements.
	In accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, the revenue under 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 of the claim.
	As the Company recognizes revenue under the percentage-of-completion method, it provides an accrual for estimated future warranty costs based on historical and projected claims experience.  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.
	We evaluate our contracts for multiple deliverables under ASC 605-25 Revenue Recognition-Multiple Element Arrangements, and when appropriate, separate the contracts into separate units of accounting for revenue recognition.  Contracts with multiple element arrangements typically include, but are not limited to, components such as training, licenses, and PCS, as described above, embedded in the agreement.  When a contract contains multiple deliverables, the Company allocates revenue to each deliverable based on its relative selling price which is determined based on its vendor specific objective evidence ("VSOE") if available, third party evidence ("TPE") if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price if neither VSOE nor TPE is available.  Amounts allocated to training and support services are based on VSOE and revenue is deferred until the services have been performed.  Amounts allocated to software licenses are also based on VSOE. Revenue related to software licenses is recognized once the license has been delivered.
	The Company recognizes revenue under time and materials contracts primarily from staff augmentation and certain consulting agreements.  Revenue on time and material contracts is recognized as services are rendered and performed.  Under a typical time-and-materials billing arrangement, customers are billed on a regularly scheduled basis, such as biweekly or monthly. At the end of each accounting period, revenue is estimated and accrued for services performed since the last billing cycle. These unbilled amounts are billed the following month.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and cash equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.
	The Company had $7.5 million and $9.5 million deposited in an unrestricted money market account with Susquehanna Bank on December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash consists of the cash collateralization of our outstanding letters of credit used for various advance payment, bid, surety and performance bonds, and negative foreign exchange positions which have been segregated into restricted money market accounts with Susquehanna Bank.  Susquehanna has complete and unconditional control over the restricted money market accounts.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had approximately$4.2 million, and $1.1 million, respectively, of cash in escrow accounts with Susquehanna.  The restricted cash balance has been classified within the Consolidated Balance Sheet as follows; $613,000 of current assets, and $3.6 million of long term assets at December 31, 2014, respectively, compared to $45,000 of current assets and $1.0 million of long-term assets at December 31, 2013. The Company recorded interest income of $7,000 and $8,000 from the escrow accounts in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The interest earned on these restricted funds is added to the restricted cash balance. We classify the restriction and release of the cash collateralization of our outstanding letters of credit as an investing activity within the consolidated statement of cash flows, as these deposits are not related to borrowings against our line of credit.
Contract receivables	Contract receivables
	Contract receivables include recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed which represents revenue recognized in excess of amounts billed.  The liability "Billings in excess of revenue earned" represents billings in excess of revenue recognized.
	Billed receivables are recorded at invoiced amounts.  The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on historical trends of past due accounts, write-offs, and specific identification and review of customer accounts.
	The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:
	(in thousands)		As of and for the
			Years ended December 31,
			2014			2013
	Beginning balance		$	2		$	2
	Current year provision			22			38
	Acquired allowance for doubtful accounts			20			-
	Current year write-offs			(22	)		(38	)
	Ending balance		$	22		$	2
Equipment, software and leasehold improvements, net	Equipment, software and leasehold improvements, net
	Equipment and purchased software are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method with estimated useful lives ranging from three to ten years.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the lease or the estimated useful life, whichever is shorter, using the straight-line method.  Upon sale or retirement, the cost and related depreciation are eliminated from the respective accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in operations. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
Software development costs	Software development costs
	Certain computer software development costs are capitalized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  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 the future undiscounted cash flows.  The excess of any unamortized computer software costs over the related net realizable value is written down and charged to operations.
	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 performed in conjunction with our goodwill impairment test.
Development expenditures	Development expenditures
	Development expenditures incurred to meet customer specifications under contracts are charged to contract costs.  Company sponsored development expenditures are either charged to operations as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses or are capitalized as software development costs.  See Note 8, Software development costs.  The amounts incurred for Company sponsored development activities relating to the development of new products and services or the improvement of existing products and services, were approximately $3.8 million and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
Impairment of long-lived assets	Impairment of long-lived assets
	Long-lived assets, such as equipment, software, capitalized computer software costs subject to amortization, and intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized at the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.  Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and would no longer be depreciated.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The Company's intangible assets include amounts recognized in connection with business acquisitions, including customer relationships, contract backlog and software.  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 Company does not have any intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.
	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 Update ("ASU") number 2011-08 and Accounting Standards Codification 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (ASC 350).
	ASU number 2011-08 outlines the qualitative assessment (i.e., the "Step 0 Test") as a precursor to the traditional two-step quantitative process. The Step 0 Test effectively modifies Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 350-20-35, Goodwill – Subsequent Measurement. In general, the Step 0 Test allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (i.e., more than 50%) that the Fair Value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. In order to make this evaluation, the FASB outlines relevant examples and circumstances to consider, including:
	·	General macroeconomic conditions,
	·	Industry and market conditions,
	·	Changes in cost factors,
	·	Overall financial performance,
	·	Entity and reporting unit specific events, etc.
	If the qualitative factors outlined in the Step 0 Test indicates that the Fair Value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying value, than no additional testing is performed.  If the Step 0 Test indicates the Fair Value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform the additional impairment test in accordance with the provisions of ASC 350.
	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 two reporting units.  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.  Refer to Note 4, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, for information on the $4.5 million goodwill impairment loss taken during 2013.  No impairment losses were recognized during 2014.
Foreign currency translation	Foreign currency translation
	Balance sheet accounts for foreign operations are translated at the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date, and income statement accounts are translated at the average exchange rate for the period.  The resulting translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss.  Transaction gains and losses, resulting from changes in exchange rates, are recorded in operating income in the period in which they occur.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, foreign currency transaction losses were approximately $180,000, and $111,000, respectively.
Warranty	Accrued 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 accrued warranty accounts is as follows:
	(in thousands)		As of and for the
			Years ended December 31,
			2014			2013
	Beginning balance		$	1,851		$	2,107
	Current year provision			660			809
	Current year claims			(1,025	)		(1,065	)
	Currency adjustment			(30	)		-
	Ending balance		$	1,456		$	1,851
Income taxes	Income taxes
	Income taxes are provided under the asset and liability method.  Under this method, deferred income taxes are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.  Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.  A provision is made for the Company's current liability for federal, state and foreign income taxes and the change in the Company's deferred income tax assets and liabilities.
	We establish accruals for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return 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. Favorable or unfavorable adjustment of the accrual for any particular issue would be recognized as an increase or decrease to income tax expense in the period of a change in facts and circumstances. Interest and penalties related to income taxes are accounted for as income tax expense.
Stock-based compensation	Stock-based compensation
	Compensation expense related to share based awards is recognized on a pro rata straight-line basis based on the value of share awards that are scheduled to vest during the requisite service period.  During the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, and 2013 the Company recognized $712,000, and $810,000, respectively, of pre-tax stock-based compensation expense under the fair value method.  As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $0.7 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of outstanding stock option awards expected to be recognized through November 2016.
Income (Loss) per share	Loss per 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 or warrants were exercised.
	The number of common shares and common share equivalents used in the determination of basic and diluted loss per share were as follows:
			Years ended December 31,
			2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Net loss attributed to common stockholders		$	(6,742	)	$	(10,511	)
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share			17,887,859			18,150,915
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee stock options and warrants			-			-
	Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed conversions for diluted earnings per share			17,887,859			18,150,915
	Shares related to dilutive securities excluded because inclusion would be anti-dilutive			2,811,709			2,919,521
	Conversion of outstanding stock options and warrants was not assumed for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 because the impact was anti-dilutive.
Concentration of credit risk	Concentration of credit risk
	The Company is subject to concentration of credit risk with respect to contract receivables. Credit risk on contract receivables is mitigated by the nature of the Company's worldwide customer base and its credit policies.  The Company's customers are not concentrated in any specific geographic region, but are concentrated in the energy industry. The following customers have provided more than 10% of the Company's consolidated contract receivables for the indicated periods:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	State Nuclear Power Automation System Engineering Co.	10.20%		5.90%
	Slovenské elektrárne, a.s.	1.90%		35.90%
Fair values of financial instruments	Fair values of financial instruments
	The carrying amounts of current assets and current liabilities reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value due to their short term duration.
Contingent Consideration for Business Acquisitions	Contingent consideration for business acquisitions
	Acquisitions may include contingent consideration payments based on future financial measures of an acquired company. Contingent consideration is required to be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. We estimate the fair value of these liabilities based on financial projections of the acquired companies and estimated probabilities of achievement. At each reporting date, the contingent consideration obligation is revalued to estimated fair value and changes in fair value subsequent to the acquisition are reflected in income or expense in the consolidated statements of operations, and could cause a material impact to our operating results. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration obligations may result from changes in discount periods and rates, changes in the timing and amount of revenue and/or earnings estimates and changes in probability assumptions with respect to the likelihood of achieving the various earn-out criteria.
Deferred financing fees	Deferred financing fees
	The Company amortizes the cost incurred to obtain debt financing using the straight-line method over the term of the underlying obligations.  The amortization of deferred financing costs is included in interest expense.  The Company recognized $10,000 of expense related to the amortization of deferred financing costs during the year ended December 31, 2013.  The Company recognized no amortization of deferred financing costs during the year ended December 31, 2014.
Derivative instruments	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 December 31, 2014, the Company had foreign exchange contracts outstanding of approximately 0.3 million Pounds Sterling, 1.4 million Euro, 0.8 million Australian Dollars, and 0.5 million Malaysian Ringgits.  At December 31, 2013, the Company had foreign exchange contracts outstanding of approximately 0.2 million Pounds Sterling, 13.3 million Euro, and 10.1 million Japanese Yen at fixed rates. The contracts expire on various dates through November 2016.  The Company had not designated the foreign exchange contracts as hedges and had recorded the estimated fair value of the contracts in the consolidated balance sheet as follows:
			December 31,
	(in thousands)		2014			2013
	Asset derivatives
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	71		$	140
	Other assets			21			2
				92			142
	Liability derivatives
	Other current liabilities			(23	)		(637	)
	Other liabilities			(1	)		(18	)
				(24	)		(655	)
	Net fair value		$	68		$	(513	)
	The changes in the fair value of the foreign exchange contracts are included in gain on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations.
	The foreign currency denominated trade receivables, unbilled 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 gain on derivative instruments in the consolidated statement of operations.
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, the Company recognized a net gain on its derivative instruments as outlined below:
			Years ended December 31,
	(in thousands)		2014			2013
	Foreign exchange contracts- change in fair value		$	365		$	(489	)
	Remeasurement of related contract receivables and billings in excess of revenue earned			(156	)		754
			$	209		$	265
Reclassification	Reclassifications
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
New accounting standards	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
	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 combined financial statements and has not yet determined the method by which it will adopt the standard in 2017.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:
	(in thousands)		As of and for the
			Years ended December 31,
			2014			2013
	Beginning balance		$	2		$	2
	Current year provision			22			38
	Acquired allowance for doubtful accounts			20			-
	Current year write-offs			(22	)		(38	)
	Ending balance		$	22		$	2
Schedule of Warranties	The activity in the accrued warranty accounts is as follows:
	(in thousands)		As of and for the
			Years ended December 31,
			2014			2013
	Beginning balance		$	1,851		$	2,107
	Current year provision			660			809
	Current year claims			(1,025	)		(1,065	)
	Currency adjustment			(30	)		-
	Ending balance		$	1,456		$	1,851
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The number of common shares and common share equivalents used in the determination of basic and diluted loss per share were as follows:
			Years ended December 31,
			2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Net loss attributed to common stockholders		$	(6,742	)	$	(10,511	)
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share			17,887,859			18,150,915
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee stock options and warrants			-			-
	Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed conversions for diluted earnings per share			17,887,859			18,150,915
	Shares related to dilutive securities excluded because inclusion would be anti-dilutive			2,811,709			2,919,521
Percentage of Receivable by Major Customers	The Company is subject to concentration of credit risk with respect to contract receivables. Credit risk on contract receivables is mitigated by the nature of the Company's worldwide customer base and its credit policies.  The Company's customers are not concentrated in any specific geographic region, but are concentrated in the energy industry. The following customers have provided more than 10% of the Company's consolidated contract receivables for the indicated periods:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	State Nuclear Power Automation System Engineering Co.	10.20%		5.90%
	Slovenské elektrárne, a.s.	1.90%		35.90%
Schedule of Foreign Exchange Contracts, Statement of Financial Position	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had foreign exchange contracts outstanding of approximately 0.3 million Pounds Sterling, 1.4 million Euro, 0.8 million Australian Dollars, and 0.5 million Malaysian Ringgits.  At December 31, 2013, the Company had foreign exchange contracts outstanding of approximately 0.2 million Pounds Sterling, 13.3 million Euro, and 10.1 million Japanese Yen at fixed rates. The contracts expire on various dates through November 2016.  The Company had not designated the foreign exchange contracts as hedges and had recorded the estimated fair value of the contracts in the consolidated balance sheet as follows:
			December 31,
	(in thousands)		2014			2013
	Asset derivatives
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	71		$	140
	Other assets			21			2
				92			142
	Liability derivatives
	Other current liabilities			(23	)		(637	)
	Other liabilities			(1	)		(18	)
				(24	)		(655	)
	Net fair value		$	68		$	(513	)
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	For the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, the Company recognized a net gain on its derivative instruments as outlined below:
			Years ended December 31,
	(in thousands)		2014			2013
	Foreign exchange contracts- change in fair value		$	365		$	(489	)
	Remeasurement of related contract receivables and billings in excess of revenue earned			(156	)		754
			$	209		$	265

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	The following table summarizes the purchase price and purchase price allocation for the acquisition of Hyperspring, LLC, acquired on November 14, 2014.
			(Dollars in thousands)
			Hyperspring, LLC
	Cash purchase price		$	3,000
	Fair value of contingent consideration			3,953
	Total purchase price		$	6,953
	Purchase price allocation:
	Cash		$	152
	Contract receivables			1,719
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			23
	Property and equipment, net			12
	Intangible assets			779
	Goodwill			5,612
	Total assets			8,297
	Line of credit			749
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities			586
	Billings in excess of revenue earned			9
	Total liabilities			1,344
	Net assets acquired		$	6,953
Schedule of Pro Forma Results	Pro forma results.  Our consolidated financial statements include the operating results of Hyperspring as of the date of acquisition.  For the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the unaudited pro forma financial information below assumes that our material business acquisition of Hyperspring occurred on January 1, 2013.
	(in thousands except per share data)	(unaudited)
		Year ended
		December 31,
	Pro forma financial information including the acquisition of Hyperspring	2014				2013
	Revenue		$	53,611			$	66,587
	Operating loss			(6,149	)			(10,534	)
	Net loss			(5,977	)			(1,711	)
	Loss per common share — basic		$	(0.33	)		$	(0.57	)
	Loss per common share — diluted		$	(0.33	)		$	(0.57	)
Schedule of Business Acquisitions by Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, contingent consideration included in the other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet totaled $2.8 million and $492,000, respectively.  As of December 31, 2014  and 2013, we also had accrued contingent consideration totaling $1.9 million 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.
	(in thousands)
			December 31,
			2014				2013
	Hyperspring, LLC		$	2,152			$	-
	IntelliQlik, LLC			213				-
	EnVision Systems, Inc.			477				492
	Current contingent consideration			2,842				492
	Hyperspring, LLC			1,948				-
	EnVision Systems, Inc.			-				409
	Contingent consideration		$	1,948			$	409

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 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 December 31, 2013		$	-
	2014 Activity
	Acquisition			5,612
	Net book value at December 31, 2014		$	5,612
Schedule of Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization
	The following table shows the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangibles related to continuing operations:
	(in thousands)	As of December 31, 2014
		Gross Carrying Amount				Accumulated Amortization				Net
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer relationships		$	1,425			$	(695	)		$	730
	Non-contractual customer relationships			911				(618	)			293
	Developed technology			471				(236	)			235
	In process research and development			152				(136	)			16
	Contract backlog			36				(36	)			-
	Trade names and other			29				(29	)			-
	Foreign currency translation			7				(2	)			5
	Total		$	3,031			$	(1,752	)		$	1,279
	(in thousands)	As of December 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying Amount				Accumulated Amortization				Net
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer relationships		$	646			$	(646	)		$	-
	Non-contractual customer relationships			911				(557	)			354
	Developed technology			471				(177	)			294
	In process research and development			152				(127	)			25
	Contract backlog			36				(36	)			-
	Trade names and other			29				(29	)			-
	Foreign currency translation			52				(16	)			36
	Total		$	2,297			$	(1,588	)		$	709
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets totaled $193,000, and $207,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively.  The following table shows the estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets for the next five years and thereafter:
	(in thousands)
	Fiscal year ending:
	2015		$	494
	2016			296
	2017			207
	2018			160
	2019			74
	Thereafter			48
			$	1,279

Contract_Receivables_Tables

Contract Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Contract Receivables [Abstract]
Components of 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)	December 31,
		2014			2013
	Billed receivables	$	10,792		$	19,040
	Recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed		5,060			5,519
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		(22	)		(2	)
	Total contract receivables, net	$	15,830		$	24,557

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur1

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	6.  Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:
	(in thousands)	December 31,
		2014		2013
	Prepaid expenses	$	539	$	630
	Deferred income taxes- current		27		13
	Value added tax receivable		533		409
	Receivable from sale of 49% stake in GSE-UNIS		-		1,183
	Other current assets		604		1,464
	Total	$	1,703	$	3,699
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:
	(in thousands)	December 31,
		2014		2013
	Prepaid expenses	$	539	$	630
	Deferred income taxes- current		27		13
	Value added tax receivable		533		409
	Receivable from sale of 49% stake in GSE-UNIS		-		1,183
	Other current assets		604		1,464
	Total	$	1,703	$	3,699
	In 2013, the Company agreed to sell its 49% stake in GSE-UNIS Simulation Technology Co., Ltd ("GSE-UNIS") to its partner, Beijing Unis Venture Capital Co., Ltd. and terminate the joint venture agreement as of July 31, 2013. The sales price was basically equivalent to the Company's investment in GSE-UNIS as of the closing date.

Equipment_Software_and_Leaseho1

Equipment, Software, and Leasehold Improvements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equipment, Software and Leasehold Improvements [Abstract]
Equipment, Software and Leasehold Improvements	Equipment, software and leasehold improvements consist of the following:
	(in thousands)	December 31,
		2014			2013
	Computer equipment	$	3,235		$	3,304
	Software		1,429			1,348
	Leasehold improvements		543			446
	Furniture and fixtures		1,848			1,992
			7,055			7,090
	Accumulated depreciation		(5,229	)		(5,175	)
	Equipment, software and leasehold improvements, net	$	1,826		$	1,915

Software_Development_Costs_Tab

Software Development Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Software Development Costs, net [Abstract]
Schedule of Software Development Costs	Software development costs, net consist of the following:
	(in thousands)	December 31,
		2014			2013
	Beginning Balance	$	1,020		$	2,426
	Additions		646			1,309
	Amortization		(252	)		(541	)
	Impairments		-			(2,174	)
	Ending Balance	$	1,414		$	1,020

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2014:
		Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant
		in Active Markets		Other Observable			Unobservable
		for Identical Assets		Inputs			Inputs
	(in thousands)	(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)		Total
	Money market funds	$	11,661	$	-		$	-	$	11,661
	Foreign exchange contracts		-		92			-		92
	Total assets	$	11,661	$	92		$	-	$	11,753
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	-	$	(24	)	$	-	$	(24	)
	Total liabilities	$	-	$	(24	)	$	-	$	(24	)
	The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2013:
		Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant
		in Active Markets		Other Observable			Unobservable
		for Identical Assets		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	)

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Susquehanna Bank Loan Agreement debt covenants	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 is to maintain a segregated 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 line of credit.  At December 31, 2014, the cash collateral account totaled $4.2 million and was classified as restricted cash on the balance sheet.
	The credit agreement contains certain restrictive covenants regarding future acquisitions and incurrence of debt.  In addition, the credit agreement contains financial covenants with respect to the Company's cash flow coverage ratio, minimum tangible capital base, quick ratio, and tangible capital base ratio.
			As of
		Covenant	31-Dec-14
	Cash flow coverage ratio	Must Exceed 1.20 : 1.00	-12.11 : 1.00
	Minimum tangible capital base	Must Exceed $26.0 million	$15.4 million
	Quick ratio	Must Exceed 2.00 : 1.00	1.57 : 1.00
	Tangible capital base ratio	Not to Exceed .75 : 1.00	1.44 : 1.00
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company was not in compliance with any of its covenants as defined above, however, the Company has received a written waiver from Susquehanna Bank for noncompliance.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	The consolidated loss before income taxes, by domestic and foreign sources, is as follows:
	(in thousands)	Years ended December 31,
		2014				2013
	Domestic		$	(4,608	)		$	(7,797	)
	Foreign			(1,968	)			(2,568	)
	Total		$	(6,576	)		$	(10,365	)
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The provision for income taxes is as follows:
	(in thousands)		Years ended December 31,
			2014				2013
	Current:
	Federal		$	-			$	4
	State			10				22
	Foreign			178				382
	Subtotal			188				408
	Deferred:
	Federal			24				-
	Foreign			(46	)			(262	)
	Subtotal			(22	)			(262	)
	Total		$	166			$	146
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The effective income tax rate differed from the statutory federal income tax rate due to the following:
		Effective Tax Rate Percentage (%)
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013
	Statutory federal income tax rate	34.00%		34.00%
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	-0.10%		-0.10%
	Effect of foreign operations	-10.20%		-6.90%
	Tax benefit resulting from OCI allocation	0.00%		0.50%
	Change in valuation allowance	-22.80%		-12.10%
	Other, principally permanent differences	-3.40%		-16.80%
	Effective tax rate	-2.50%		-1.40%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements.  A summary of the tax effect of the significant components of the deferred income tax liabilities is as follows:
	(in thousands)		Years ended December 31,
			2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards		$	7,745			$	5,589
	Capital loss carryforwards			615				703
	Accruals			485				337
	Reserves			521				611
	Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards			166				166
	Other			1,484				1,701
	Total deferred tax asset			11,016				9,107
	Valuation allowance			(10,006	)			(7,057	)
	Total deferred tax asset less valuation allowance			1,010				2,050
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiary			(102	)			(1,228	)
	Software development costs			(542	)			(384	)
	Other			(397	)			(491	)
	Total deferred tax liability			(1,041	)			(2,103	)
	Net deferred tax liability		$	(31	)		$	(53	)

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	Information with respect to stock option activity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
			Number			Weighted		Aggregate		Weighted
			of Shares			Average		Intrinsic		Average
						Exercise		Value (in thousands)		Remaining
						Price				Contractual Life
										(Years)
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013			3,035,987		$	3.38
	Options granted			158,573			2.03
	Options exercised			-			-
	Options forfeited			(486,287	)		4.35
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014			2,708,273			3.12	$	-		3.55
	Options expected to vest			681,983			2.23	$	-		4.48
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2014			2,026,290		$	3.42	$	-		3.23
	Information with respect to stock option activity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 is as follows:
			Number			Weighted		Aggregate		Weighted
			of Shares			Average		Intrinsic		Average
						Exercise		Value (in thousands)		Remaining
						Price				Contractual Life
										(Years)
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012			3,070,803		$	3.4
	Options granted			293,000			1.76
	Options exercised			(162,000	)		1.62
	Options forfeited			(165,816	)		2.71
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013			3,035,987			3.38	$	-		4.32
	Options expected to vest			1,287,801			2.37	$	-		5.28
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2013			1,748,186		$	4.12	$	-		3.62
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity	A summary of the status of the Company's nonvested options as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014 is presented below.
			Number of Shares			Weighted Average Fair Value
	Nonvested options at December 31, 2013			1,287,801		$	1.33
	Options granted			158,573			0.67
	Options forfeited			(190,433	)		1.29
	Options vested during the period			(573,958	)		1.29
	Nonvested options at December 31, 2014			681,983		$	1.22
	A summary of the status of the Company's nonvested options as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 is presented below.
			Number of Shares			Weighted Average Fair Value
	Nonvested options at December 31, 2012			1,750,107		$	1.43
	Options granted			293,000			0.9
	Options forfeited			(120,646	)		1.19
	Options vested during the period			(634,660	)		1.45
	Nonvested options at December 31, 2013			1,287,801		$	1.33
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Valuation Assumptions	The fair value of the options granted in 2014 and 2013 were estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013
	Risk-free interest rates	1.29 - 2.15%		.85 - 1.68%
	Dividend yield	0%		0%
	Expected life	3.81 - 7.00 years		5.49 - 7.00 years
	Volatility	49.89 - 50.34%		51.31 - 56.80%
	Weighted average volatility	50.06%		52.46%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	The Company is obligated under certain noncancelable operating leases for office facilities and equipment.  Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	(in thousands)	Gross Future
		Minimum Lease
		Payments
	2015	$	1,163
	2016		897
	2017		823
	2018		746
	2019		612
	Thereafter		1,867
	Total	$	6,108

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the revenue and operating results attributable to each reportable segment and includes a reconciliation of segment revenue to consolidated revenue and operating results to consolidated income before income tax expense:
	(in thousands)		Years ended December 31,
			2014				2013
	Contract revenue:
	Performance Improvement Solutions		$	35,675			$	47,562
	Staff Augmentation			2,255				-
			$	37,930			$	47,562
	Operating income (loss):
	Performance Improvement Solutions		$	(6,805	)		$	(10,414	)
	Staff Augmentation			105				-
	Loss on change in fair value of contingent consideration, net			(229	)			(254	)
	Operating loss		$	(6,929	)		$	(10,668	)
	Interest income, net			143				105
	Gain on derivative instruments, net			209				265
	Other income (expense) , net			1				(67	)
	Net loss		$	(6,576	)		$	(10,365	)
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Additional information relating to our business segments is as follows:
	(in thousands)		December 31,
			2014				2013
	Identifiable assets:
	Performance Improvement Solutions		$	38,309			$	48,827
	Staff Augmentation			8,090				-
	Intercompany receivable elimination			(400	)			-
	Total Assets		$	45,999			$	48,827
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, 57% and 65%, respectively, of the Company's consolidated revenue was from customers in the nuclear power industry. The Company designs, develops and delivers business and technology solutions to the energy industry worldwide.  Revenue, operating income (loss) and total assets for the Company's United States, European, and Asian subsidiaries as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
	(in thousands)	Year ended December 31, 2014
		United States				Europe				Asia				Eliminations				Consolidated
	Contract revenue		$	29,038			$	6,414			$	2,478			$	-			$	37,930
	Transfers between geographic locations			2,176				741				1,242				(4,159	)			-
	Total contract revenue		$	31,214			$	7,155			$	3,720			$	(4,159	)		$	37,930
	Operating loss		$	(4,743	)		$	(2,094	)		$	(92	)		$	-			$	(6,929	)
	Total assets, at December 31		$	116,586			$	5,828			$	4,694			$	(81,109	)		$	45,999
	(in thousands)	Year ended December 31, 2013
		United States				Europe				Asia				Eliminations				Consolidated
	Contract revenue		$	33,419			$	8,639			$	5,504			$	-			$	47,562
	Transfers between geographic locations			5,602				446				636				(6,684	)			-
	Total contract revenue		$	39,021			$	9,085			$	6,140			$	(6,684	)		$	47,562
	Operating income (loss)		$	(7,767	)		$	(3,053	)		$	152			$	-			$	(10,668	)
	Total assets, at December 31		$	67,255			$	11,206			$	6,508			$	(36,142	)		$	48,827

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas1

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	(in thousands)	Year ended December 31,
		2014		2013
	Cash paid:
	Interest	$	1	$	-
	Income taxes	$	395	$	539
	Non-cash financing activities:
	Hyperspring, LLC (1)	$	3,953	$	-
	IntelliQlik, LLC (2)		207		-
	Total accrued contingent consideration	$	4,160	$	-
	(1) Total accrued contingent consideration recorded on November 14, 2014, the date of the Hyperspring acquisition.
	(2) Total accrued contingent consideration recorded on November 14, 2014, the date of the Company's investment in IntelliQlik.

Equity_Method_Investments_and_1

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	Schedule of Equity Losses
	We had the following net losses of our equity method investments during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.  The losses from equity method investments are included in Other income (expense), net within the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	(in thousands)	Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Equity Method Investment
	IntelliQlik, LLC	$	(17	)	$	-
	General Simulation Engineering RUS LLC		(38	)		(8	)
	GSE-UNIS Simulation Technology , Ltd.		-			(148	)
	Total loss from equity method investments	$	(55	)	$	(156	)

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Segment
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Term of warranty	1 year
Period of post customer support service (PCS)	1 year
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Money market accounts	$7,500,000	$9,500,000
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	613,000	45,000
Long-term restricted cash	3,591,000	1,021,000
Maximum maturity period for highly liquid investments to be considered cash equivalents	3 months
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	2,000	2,000
Current year provision	22,000	38,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-offs	-22,000	-38,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Period Increase (Decrease)	20,000	0
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Period Increase (Decrease), Total	20,000	0
Ending balance	22,000	2,000
Software Development Costs, net [Abstract]
Software Development Costs Useful Life	3 years
Write down of capitalized software development costs		-2,174,000
Development Expenditures [Abstract]
Development Expenditures	3,800,000	2,900,000
Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Number of reporting units	2
Goodwill impairment loss	0	4,462,000
Foreign Currency Translation [Abstract]
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	-180,000	-111,000
Product Warranty [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,851,000	2,107,000
Current year provision	660,000	809,000
Current year claims	-1,025,000	-1,065,000
Currency adjustment	-30,000	0
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Period Increase (Decrease), Total	-395,000	-256,000
Ending balance	1,456,000	1,851,000
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Share based compensation expense	712,000	810,000
Unrecognized compensation expense	700,000
Numerator: [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributed to common stockholders	-6,742,000	-10,511,000
Denominator: [Abstract]
Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share (in shares)	17,887,859	18,150,915
Effect of Dilutive Securities: [Abstract]
Employee stock options and warrants (in shares)	0	0
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed conversions for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	17,887,859	18,150,915
Shares related to dilutive securities excluded because inclusion would be anti-dilutive (in shares)	2,811,709	2,919,521
In the money options and warrants (in shares)	0
Equipment, Software and Leasehold Improvements, net [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Equipment, software and leasehold improvements, net [Abstract]
Estimated useful life	10 years
Equipment, Software and Leasehold Improvements, net [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Equipment, software and leasehold improvements, net [Abstract]
Estimated useful life	3 years
Interest-bearing Deposits [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalent Item, Description	Restricted cash consists of the cash collateralization of our outstanding letters of credit used for various advance payment, bid, surety and performance bonds, and negative foreign exchange positions which have been segregated into restricted money market accounts with Susquehanna Bank.
Restricted cash	613,000	45,000
Long-term restricted cash	3,591,000	1,021,000
Interest Income, Other Domestic Deposits	$7,000	$8,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Concentration of Credit Risk (Details) (Net Receivables [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Slovenske elektrarne, a.s. [Member]
Receivable by major customers [Abstract]
Percentage of receivables contributed by major customers (in hundredths)	1.90%	35.90%
State Nuclear Power Automation System Engineering Co. [Member]
Receivable by major customers [Abstract]
Percentage of receivables contributed by major customers (in hundredths)	10.20%	5.90%

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Derivative Instruments, Foreign Exchange Contracts (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
		Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
		Japan, Yen	Japan, Yen	United Kingdom, Pounds	United Kingdom, Pounds	Euro Member Countries, Euro	Euro Member Countries, Euro	Australia, Dollars	Australia, Dollars	Malaysia, Ringgits	Malaysia, Ringgits
		JPY (¥)	JPY (¥)	GBP (£)	GBP (£)	EUR (€)	EUR (€)	AUD	AUD	MYR	MYR
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Maturity Date	11-Nov-16
Foreign exchange contract outstanding		¥ 0	¥ 10.1	£ 0.3	£ 0.2	€ 1.40	€ 13.30	0.8	0	0.5	0

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Derivative Instruments, Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location (Details) (Foreign Exchange Contract [Member], Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated fair value of the contracts in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Asset derivatives	$92	$142
Liability derivatives	24	655
Net fair value	68	-513
Other Current Assets [Member]
Estimated fair value of the contracts in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Asset derivatives	71	140
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Estimated fair value of the contracts in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Asset derivatives	21	2
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Estimated fair value of the contracts in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Liability derivatives	23	637
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Estimated fair value of the contracts in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Liability derivatives	$1	$18

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) On Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign exchange contracts- change in fair value	$365	($489)
Remeasurement of related contract receivables, billings in excess of revenue earned, and subcontractor accruals	-156	754
Gain on derivative instruments, net	$209	$265

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 14, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments	$250,000	$0
Business Acquisition, Period Results Included in Combined Entity	0 years 1 month 15 days
Business Combinations Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Goodwill	5,612,000	0	4,502,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Revenue	53,611,000	66,587,000
Operating income (loss)	-6,149,000	-10,534,000
Net income (loss)	-5,977,000	-1,711,000
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic	($0.33)	($0.57)
Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted	($0.33)	($0.57)
Business Acquisition, Period Results Included in Combined Entity	0 years 1 month 15 days
Hyperspring, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity	Hyperspring, LLC
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition	14-Nov-14
Percentage of ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)				100.00%
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High				11,400,000
Cash purchase price	3,000,000
Fair value of contingent consideration	3,953,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Total	6,953,000
Business Combinations Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Cash	152,000
Contract receivables	1,719,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	23,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	12,000
Intangible assets	779,000			779,000
Goodwill	5,612,000
Total assets	8,297,000
Line of credit	749,000
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	586,000
Billings in excess of revenue earned	9,000
Total liabilities	1,344,000
Net assets acquired	6,953,000
Hyperspring, LLC [Member] | Contingent Consideration Case 1 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High				7,200,000
Hyperspring, LLC [Member] | Contingent Consideration Case 1 [Member] | EBITDA Target [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Description	certain EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) targets
Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration Agreement	for the three-year period ending November 13, 2017
Hyperspring, LLC [Member] | Contingent Consideration Case 1 [Member] | Tennessee Valley Authority Renewal Target [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High				1,200,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Description	If Hyperspring is successful in renewing the TVA contract for substantially the same scope as currently being provided and at a profit margin that is greater than 15% on or before May 15, 2015,
Hyperspring, LLC [Member] | Contingent Consideration Case 2 [Member] | EBITDA Target [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High				8,400,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Description	certain EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) targets
Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration Agreement	for the three-year period ending November 13, 2017
Hyperspring, LLC [Member] | Contractual Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Combinations Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets				779,000
Hyperspring, LLC [Member] | Contractual Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	7 years
IntelliQlik, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity	IntelliQlik, LLC
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition	14-Nov-14
Percentage of ownership interest acquired (in hundredths)				50.00%
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High				250,000
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments	$250,000

Acquisitions_Contingent_Consid

Acquisitions, Contingent Consideration by Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other current liabilities [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Contingent Consideration, Liability	$2,842	$492
Other non current liabilities [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Contingent Consideration, Liability	1,948	409
Hyperspring, LLC [Member] | Other current liabilities [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Contingent Consideration, Liability	2,152	0
Hyperspring, LLC [Member] | Other non current liabilities [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Contingent Consideration, Liability	1,948	0
IntelliQlik, LLC [Member] | Other current liabilities [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Contingent Consideration, Liability	213	0
EnVision Systems, Inc. [Member] | Other current liabilities [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Contingent Consideration, Liability	477	492
EnVision Systems, Inc. [Member] | Other non current liabilities [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Contingent Consideration, Liability	$0	$409

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$0	$4,502
Goodwill impairment loss	0	4,462
Acquisition	5,612	0
Foreign currency translation	0	40
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease), Total	5,612	-4,502
Ending balance	5,612	0
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	3,031	2,297
Accumulated amortization	1,752	1,588
Total	1,279	709
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2014	494
2015	296
2016	207
2017	160
2018	74
Thereafter	48
Total	1,279
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets	193	207
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,425	646
Accumulated amortization	695	646
Total	730	0
Non Contractual Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	911	911
Accumulated amortization	618	557
Total	293	354
Developed Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	471	471
Accumulated amortization	236	177
Total	235	294
In Process Research and Development [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	152	152
Accumulated amortization	136	127
Total	16	25
Contract Backlog [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	36	36
Accumulated amortization	36	36
Total	0	0
Trade Names and Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	29	29
Accumulated amortization	29	29
Total	0	0
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	7	52
Accumulated amortization	2	16
Total	$5	$36

Contract_Receivables_Details

Contract Receivables (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Contract Receivables [Abstract]
Maximum term of contract receivables	12 months
Components of contract receivables [Abstract]
Billed receivables	$10,792	$19,040
Recoverable costs and accrued profit not billed	5,060	5,519
Allowance for doubtful accounts	22	2	2
Total contract receivables, net	$15,830	$24,557

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur2

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses	630	539
Deferred income taxes - current	13	27
Value added tax receivable	409	533
Receivable from sale of 49% stake in GSE-UNIS	1,183	0
Other current assets	1,464	604
Total	3,699	1,703
GSE-UNIS Simulation Technology , Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	49.00%	49.00%
Disposal Date	31-Jul-13

Equipment_Software_and_Leaseho2

Equipment, Software, and Leasehold Improvements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equipment, Software and Leasehold Improvements [Line Items]
Equipment, software and leasehold improvements	$7,055	$7,090
Accumulated depreciation	5,229	5,175
Equipment, software and leasehold improvements, net	1,826	1,915
Depreciation	545	570
Computer Equipment [Member]
Equipment, Software and Leasehold Improvements [Line Items]
Equipment, software and leasehold improvements	3,235	3,304
Software [Member]
Equipment, Software and Leasehold Improvements [Line Items]
Equipment, software and leasehold improvements	1,429	1,348
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Equipment, Software and Leasehold Improvements [Line Items]
Equipment, software and leasehold improvements	543	446
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Equipment, Software and Leasehold Improvements [Line Items]
Equipment, software and leasehold improvements	$1,848	$1,992

Software_Development_Costs_Det

Software Development Costs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Capitalized Development Costs [Line Items]
Capitalized Computer Software, Net, Beginning Balance	$1,020	$2,426
Capitalized Computer Software, Additions	646	1,309
Capitalized software amortization	-252	-541
Write-down of capitalized software development costs	0	-2,174
Capitalized Computer Software, Period Increase (Decrease), Total	394	-1,406
Capitalized Computer Software, Net, Ending Balance	$1,414	$1,020

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Contract
	Bond
	Letter
Performance Bond Abstract
Number of Standby Letters of Credit	12
Number of Surety Bonds	1
Letter of Credit and Surety Bonds	$4,200,000
Number of Performance and Bid Bonds issued in relation to contracts	11
Number of stand by letters of credit deposited in escrow accounts	11
Restricted cash and investments	4,200,000	1,100,000
Unrestricted cash	7,500,000	9,500,000
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]
Money market funds	11,661,000	10,553,000
Foreign exchange contracts - Assets	92,000	142,000
Total assets	11,753,000	10,695,000
Foreign exchange contracts - Liabilities	24,000	655,000
Total liabilities	24,000	655,000
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]
Money market funds	11,661,000	10,553,000
Foreign exchange contracts - Assets	0	0
Total assets	11,661,000	10,553,000
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 funds	0	0
Foreign exchange contracts - Assets	92,000	142,000
Total assets	92,000	142,000
Foreign exchange contracts - Liabilities	24,000	655,000
Total liabilities	24,000	655,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value [Abstract]
Money market funds	0	0
Foreign exchange contracts - Assets	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Foreign exchange contracts - Liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	$0	$0

LongTerm_Debt_Details

Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Susquehanna Bank [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Principal amount of the line of credit	$7,500,000
Line of Credit Facility, Affiliated Borrower	GSE Systems, Inc. and GSE Performance Solutions, Inc.
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description	Working capital advances bear interest at a rate equal to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate of Interest, floating with a floor of 4 1/2%
Expiration date of credit agreement	31-Mar-15
Minimum Cash Balance Requirement	3,000,000
Number of consecutive quarters entity must attain positive net income	2
Issuances of stand-by letters of credit and advances as of period end	4,200,000
Susquehanna Bank [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Cash flow coverage ratio [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms	Must Exceed 1.20 : 1.00
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance	-12.11 : 1.00
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	$15.4 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	1.57 : 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	1.44 : 1.00
IberiaBank [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Principal amount of the line of credit		1,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Affiliated Borrower		Hyperspring, LLC
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description	interest is payable monthly at a rate of the prime rate of interest as published in the money rate section of the Wall Street Journal plus 1.00 %
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period	4.25%
Line of Credit Facility, Collateral	The line is secured by all accounts and guaranteed by GSE Systems, Inc.
Line of credit facility term		0 years 5 months 9 days
Expiration date of credit agreement		30-Jun-15
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding	$339,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Domestic	($4,608,000)	($7,797,000)
Foreign	-1,968,000	-2,568,000
Loss before income taxes	-6,576,000	-10,365,000
Current: [Abstract]
Federal	0	4,000
State	10,000	22,000
Foreign	178,000	382,000
Subtotal	188,000	408,000
Deferred [Abstract]
Federal	24,000	0
Foreign	-46,000	-262,000
Subtotal	-22,000	-262,000
Total	166,000	146,000
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Statutory federal income tax rate (in hundredths)	34.00%	34.00%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (in hundredths)	-0.10%	-0.10%
Effect of foreign operations (in hundredths)	-10.20%	-6.90%
Tax benefit resulting from OCI allocation	0.00%	0.50%
Change in valuation allowance (in hundredths)	-22.80%	-12.10%
Other, principally permanent differences (in hundredths)	-3.40%	-16.80%
Effective tax rate (in hundredths)	-2.50%	-1.40%
Non-cash income tax adjustment		-49,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	7,745,000	5,589,000
Capital loss carryforwards	615,000	703,000
Accruals	485,000	337,000
Reserves	521,000	611,000
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards	166,000	166,000
Other	1,484,000	1,701,000
Total deferred tax asset	11,016,000	9,107,000
Valuation allowance	-10,006,000	-7,057,000
Total deferred tax assets less valuation allowance	1,010,000	2,050,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities: [Abstract]
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	-102,000	-1,228,000
Software development costs	-542,000	-384,000
Other	-397,000	-491,000
Total deferred tax liabilities	-1,041,000	-2,103,000
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	-31,000	-53,000
Change in valuation allowance	2,949,000	31,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill	24,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic	6,800,000
Operating loss carryforwards	19,100,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards, expiration dates [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	10,006,000	7,057,000
Unrecognized tax benefits from stock option exercises	5,400,000
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income tax penalties and interest expense on tax liabilities for certain foreign tax contingencies	2,000	2,000
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax liabilities for certain foreign tax contingencies	20,000	187,000
Payments made for tax liabilities for certain foreign tax contingencies	$211,000	$103,000
Maximum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, expiration dates [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Date	31-Dec-34
Minimum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, expiration dates [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Date	31-Dec-20

Capital_Stock_Details

Capital Stock (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 21, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Capital stock, shares authorized (in shares)	32,000,000
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	30,000,000	30,000,000
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	2,000,000	2,000,000
Common stock reserved for issuance (in shares)	3,856,240
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01		$0.01
Share Repurchase Program
Stock repurchased during period		$819,000
Share Repurchase Plan Completion Date	31-Oct-13
Preferred Stock Rights Agreement [Member]
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
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
Percentage of common stock required to exercise the right (in hundredths)				20.00%
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%
Treasury Stock [Member]
Share Repurchase Program
Authorized amount under share repurchase plan by Board of Directors	3,000,000
Stock repurchased during period (in shares)	0	494,424
Stock repurchased during period	$0	$819,000
Long Term Incentive Stock Option Plan 1995 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares under options and warrants outstanding (in shares)	2,708,273	3,035,987			3,070,803
Shares of common stock remaining to be granted (in shares)	1,147,967

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Share based compensation expense	$712,000	$810,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation expense	700,000
Cash received from exercise of stock options	0	44,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised	0	57,000
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Risk free interest rate, minimum (in hundredths)	1.29%	0.85%
Risk free interest rate, maximum (in hundredths)	2.15%	1.68%
Dividend yield (in hundredths)	0.00%	0.00%
Volatility rate, minimum (in hundredths)	49.89%	51.31%
Volatility rate, maximum (in hundredths)	50.34%	56.80%
Weighted average volatility (in hundredths)	50.06%	52.46%
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Expected life	3 years 9 months 22 days	5 years 5 months 26 days
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Expected life	7 years	7 years
Long Term Incentive Stock Option Plan 1995 [Member]
Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Term expiration for option to purchase shares, minimum	7 years
Term expiration for option to purchase shares, maximum	10 years
Plan Expiration	30-Jun-18
Number of shares authorized (in shares)	5,500,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Issued Upon Exercise of Options	1,643,760
Stock options remaining to be granted (in shares)	1,147,967
Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Shares under option and warrant, beginning balance (in shares)	3,035,987	3,070,803
Options granted (in shares)	158,573	293,000
Options exercised (in shares)	0	-162,000
Options forfeited (in shares)	-486,287	-165,816
Shares under options and warrant, ending balance (in shares)	2,708,273	3,035,987
Options expected to vest (in shares)	681,983	1,287,801
Options and warrants exercisable, ending balance (in shares)	2,026,290	1,748,186
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Weighted average exercise price, shares under option and warrant, beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$3.38	$3.40
Weighted average exercise price, options granted (in dollars per share)	$2.03	$1.76
Weighted average exercise price, options exercised (in dollars per share)	$0	$1.62
Weighted average exercise price, options forfeited (in dollars per share)	$4.35	$2.71
Weighted average exercise price, shares under options and warrant, ending balance (in dollars per share)	$3.12	$3.38
Weighted average exercise price, options expected to vest (in dollars per share)	$2.23	$2.37
Weighted average exercise price, options and warrants exercisable, beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$3.42	$4.12
Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Aggregate intrinsic value, shares under option and warrant, beginning of period	0	0
Aggregate intrinsic value, options expected to vest	0	0
Aggregate intrinsic value, options and warrants exercisable, ending balance	$0	$0
Weighted average remaining contractual life, shares under option and warrant, beginning of period	3 years 6 months 18 days	4 years 3 months 25 days
Weighted average remaining contractual life, options expected to vest	4 years 5 months 23 days	5 years 3 months 11 days
Weighted average remaining contractual life, options and warrants exercisable, end of period	3 years 2 months 23 days	3 years 7 months 13 days
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Options granted (in shares)	158,573	293,000
Long Term Incentive Stock Option Plan 1995 [Member] | Installments One [Member]
Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Installments	3
Long Term Incentive Stock Option Plan 1995 [Member] | Installments Two [Member]
Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Installments	5
Long Term Incentive Stock Option Plan 1995 [Member] | Installments Three [Member]
Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Installments	7
Long Term Incentive Stock Option Plan 1995 [Member] | Non-vested Share Activity [Member]
Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options granted (in shares)	158,573	293,000
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested options, beginning balance (in shares)	1,287,801	1,750,107
Options granted (in shares)	158,573	293,000
Options forfeited	-190,433	-120,646
Options vested during the period	-573,958	-634,660
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Number of Shares, Period Increase (Decrease), Total	-605,818	-462,306
Nonvested options, ending balance (in shares)	681,983	1,287,801
Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Weighted average fair value at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$1.33	$1.43
Weighted average fair value, options granted (in dollars per share)	$0.67	$0.90
Weighted average fair value, options forfeited (in dollars per share)	$1.29	$1.19
Weighted average fair value, options vested during the period (in dollars per share)	$1.29	$1.45
Weighted average fair value at end of period (in dollars per share)	$1.22	$1.33

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Bond
	Contract
	Letter
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]
2015	$1,163,000
2016	897,000
2017	823,000
2018	746,000
2019	612,000
Thereafter	1,867,000
Total	6,108,000
Rent Expense [Abstract]
Rent expense	1,400,000	1,100,000
Standby Letters of Credit, Bank Guarantees, Surety Bonds and Performance Bonds [Abstract]
Standby letters of credit and surety bonds	4,200,000
Number of standby letters of credit	12
Number of surety bonds	1
Number of Bid Bonds Contract	11
Number of stand by letters of credit deposited in certificates of deposit	11
Restricted cash and investments	$4,200,000	$1,100,000

Employee_Benefits_Details

Employee Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Benefits [Abstract]
Company's contribution to the plan	$256,000	$270,000

Segment_Information_Loss_befor

Segment Information, Loss before income taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information, Income (Loss) before Income Taxes [Abstract]
Revenues	$37,930	$47,562
Operating loss	-6,929	-10,668
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	229	254
Interest income, net	143	105
Gain on derivative instruments, net	209	265
Other expense, net	1	-67
Loss before income taxes	-6,576	-10,365
Performance Improvement Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Income (Loss) before Income Taxes [Abstract]
Revenues	35,675	47,562
Operating loss	-6,805	-10,414
Staff Augmentation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Income (Loss) before Income Taxes [Abstract]
Revenues	2,255	0
Operating loss	105	0
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Income (Loss) before Income Taxes [Abstract]
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	$229	$254

Segment_Information_Reconcilia

Segment Information, Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	$45,999	$48,827
Performance Improvement Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	38,309	48,827
Staff Augmentation [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	8,090	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	($400)	$0

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Segment
Segment Information [Abstract]
Percentage of revenues derived from customers in the nuclear power industry	57.00%	65.00%
Number of reportable business segments	2
Contract range, minimum	10 months
Contract range, maximum	3 years
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Contract revenue	$37,930	$47,562
Total contract revenue	37,930	47,562
Operating income (loss)	-6,929	-10,668
Assets	45,999	48,827
Percentage of revenues derived from international sales	52.00%	67.00%
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Contract revenue	0	0
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total contract revenue	31,214	39,021
Operating income (loss)	-4,743	-7,767
Assets	116,586	67,255
United States [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Contract revenue	29,038	33,419
United States [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Contract revenue	2,176	5,602
Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total contract revenue	7,155	9,085
Operating income (loss)	-2,094	-3,053
Assets	5,828	11,206
Europe [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Contract revenue	6,414	8,639
Europe [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Contract revenue	741	446
Asia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total contract revenue	3,720	6,140
Operating income (loss)	-92	152
Assets	4,694	6,508
Asia [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Contract revenue	2,478	5,504
Asia [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Contract revenue	1,242	636
Geography Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Contract revenue	0
Total contract revenue	-4,159	-6,684
Operating income (loss)	0	0
Assets	-81,109	-36,142
Geography Eliminations [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Contract revenue		0
Geography Eliminations [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Contract revenue	($4,159)	($6,684)

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas2

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Interest Paid [Abstract]
Interest	($1)	$0
Income Taxes Paid, Net [Abstract]
Income taxes	395	539
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisitions [Line Items]
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Other Liabilities Assumed	4,160	0
Hyperspring, LLC [Member]
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisitions [Line Items]
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Other Liabilities Assumed	3,953	0
IntelliQlik, LLC [Member]
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisitions [Line Items]
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Other Liabilities Assumed	$207	$0

Equity_Method_Investments_and_2

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	USD ($)	USD ($)	IntelliQlik, LLC [Member]	IntelliQlik, LLC [Member]	General Simulation Engineering RUS LLC [Member]	General Simulation Engineering RUS LLC [Member]	General Simulation Engineering RUS LLC [Member]	GSE-UNIS Simulation Technology , Ltd. [Member]	GSE-UNIS Simulation Technology , Ltd. [Member]
			USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	RUB	USD ($)	USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity loss on investments	($55,000)	($156,000)	($17,000)	$0	($38,000)	($8,000)		$0	($148,000)
Equity Method Investments			440,000	0	0	38,000		0
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage			50.00%		50.00%			49.00%	49.00%
Equity Method Investment, Description of Principal Activities			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.
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments	250,000	0	250,000			46,000	1,500,000
Obligation to contribute additional investment			250,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability			213,000
Equity Method Investment, Net Sales Proceeds		1,183,000
Proceeds from Collection of Other Receivables	$1,183,000

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (IberiaBank [Member], Line of Credit [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Affiliated Borrower		Hyperspring, LLC
Principal amount of the line of credit		$1
Expiration date of credit agreement		30-Jun-15
Line of credit facility term		0 years 5 months 9 days
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description	interest is payable monthly at a rate of the prime rate of interest as published in the money rate section of the Wall Street Journal plus 1.00 %
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period	4.25%
Line of Credit Facility, Collateral	The line is secured by all accounts and guaranteed by GSE Systems, Inc.
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Event, Date	22-Jan-15
Line of Credit Facility, Affiliated Borrower	Hyperspring, LLC
Principal amount of the line of credit	$1
Expiration date of credit agreement	30-Jun-15
Line of credit facility term	0 years 5 months 9 days
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description	interest is payable monthly at a rate of the prime rate of interest as published in the money rate section of the Wall Street Journal plus 1.00 %
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period	4.25%
Line of Credit Facility, Collateral	The line is secured by all accounts and guaranteed by GSE Systems, Inc.