Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 28, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	DWSN
Entity Registrant Name	DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000351231
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		8,065,233
Entity Public Float			$ 221,412,000

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 22,753,000	$ 52,405,000
Short-term investments	27,000,000	23,500,000
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $250,000 at September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013	39,995,000	37,488,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets	2,420,000	737,000
Current deferred tax asset	5,977,000	1,664,000
Total current assets	98,145,000	115,794,000
Property, plant and equipment	337,922,000	325,464,000
Less accumulated depreciation	(173,428,000)	(152,231,000)
Net property, plant and equipment	164,494,000	173,233,000
Total assets	262,639,000	289,027,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	10,720,000	15,880,000
Accrued liabilities:
Payroll costs and other taxes	1,998,000	1,850,000
Other	4,097,000	6,154,000
Deferred revenue	801,000	3,438,000
Current maturities of notes payable and obligations under capital leases	6,752,000	9,258,000
Total current liabilities	24,368,000	36,580,000
Long-term liabilities:
Notes payable and obligations under capital leases less current maturities	4,933,000	3,697,000
Deferred tax liability	33,808,000	35,690,000
Total long-term liabilities	38,741,000	39,387,000
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock-par value $1.00 per share; 5,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding
Common stock-par value $.33 1/3 per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 8,065,233 and 8,056,943 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively	2,688,000	2,686,000
Additional paid-in capital	96,086,000	94,846,000
Retained earnings	100,973,000	115,528,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(217,000)
Total stockholders' equity	199,530,000	213,060,000
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 262,639,000	$ 289,027,000

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 250,000	$ 250,000
Preferred stock, par value	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.33	$ 0.33
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	8,065,233	8,056,943
Common stock, shares outstanding	8,065,233	8,056,943

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (USD $)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Operating revenues

$ 261,683,000

$ 305,299,000

$ 319,274,000

Operating costs:

Operating expenses

223,336,000

234,660,000

258,970,000

General and administrative

16,083,000

13,364,000

11,205,000

Depreciation

40,168,000

37,095,000

32,498,000

Operating costs, Total

279,587,000

285,119,000

302,673,000

(Loss) income from operations

(17,904,000)

20,180,000

16,601,000

Other income (expense):

Interest income

73,000

63,000

28,000

Interest expense

(535,000)

(660,000)

(629,000)

Other income (expense)

466,000

(13,000)

516,000

(Loss) income before income tax

(17,900,000)

19,570,000

16,516,000

Income tax benefit (expense)

Current

(787,000)

(817,000)

(490,000)

Deferred

6,067,000

(8,273,000)

(4,913,000)

Income tax benefit (expense)

5,280,000

(9,090,000)

(5,403,000)

Net (loss) income

(12,620,000)

10,480,000

11,113,000

^[1]

Other comprehensive loss

Net unrealized loss on foreign exchange rate translation, net of tax

(217,000)

Comprehensive (loss) income

$ (12,837,000)

$ 10,480,000

$ 11,113,000

Basic (loss) income per share attributable to common stock

$ (1.59)

$ 1.31

$ 1.40

^[1]

Diluted (loss) income per share attributable to common stock

$ (1.59)

$ 1.31

$ 1.39

^[1]

Cash dividend declared per share of common stock

$ 0.24

Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding

7,959,452

7,879,614

7,841,722

^[1]

Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding-assuming dilution

7,959,452

7,920,365

7,877,107

^[1]

[1]

The 2012 earnings per share calculations have been adjusted for the two-class method to reflect restricted shares that were not reflected as participating in the prior period. Basic earnings per share as previously reported for the year ended September 30, 2012 was $1.42. Diluted earnings per share as previously reported for the year ended September 30, 2012 was $1.40. Basic weighted average shares outstanding as previously reported for the year ended September 30, 2012 was 7,841,722. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding as previously reported for the year ended September 30, 2012 was 7,931,593. The impact on all prior period financial statements is deemed immaterial.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)

Total

Common Stock

Additional Paid-in Capital

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

Retained Earnings

Balance at Sep. 30, 2011

$ 188,163,000

$ 2,637,000

$ 91,591,000

$ 93,935,000

Balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2011

7,910,885

Net (loss) income

11,113,000

^[1]

11,113,000

Stock-based compensation expense

1,245,000

Issuance of common stock as compensation (Shares)

7,234

Issuance of common stock as compensation

244,000

3,000

241,000

Exercise of stock options (Shares)

9,750

Exercise of stock options

184,000

3,000

181,000

Issuance of restricted stock awards and unearned compensation (Shares)

103,500

Issuance of restricted stock awards and unearned compensation

34,000

(34,000)

Balance at Sep. 30, 2012

200,949,000

2,677,000

93,224,000

105,048,000

Balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2012

8,031,369

Net (loss) income

10,480,000

Stock-based compensation expense

1,394,000

Issuance of common stock as compensation (Shares)

14,484

Issuance of common stock as compensation

403,000

5,000

398,000

Forfeiture of restricted stock awards

(900)

Shares exchanged for taxes on stock-based compensation (Shares)

(20,160)

Shares exchanged for taxes on stock-based compensation

(774,000)

(7,000)

(767,000)

Exercise of stock options (Shares)

32,150

Exercise of stock options

608,000

11,000

597,000

Balance at Sep. 30, 2013

213,060,000

2,686,000

94,846,000

115,528,000

Balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2013

8,056,943

Net (loss) income

(12,620,000)

Unrealized loss on foreign exchange rate translation

(345,000)

Income tax benefit

128,000

Other comprehensive loss

(217,000)

Stock-based compensation expense

1,054,000

Issuance of common stock as compensation (Shares)

5,515

Issuance of common stock as compensation

171,000

2,000

169,000

Issurance of common stock under stock compensation plans including tax effect (Shares)

1,500

Issuance of common stock under stock compensation plans including tax effect

(1,000)

Shares exchanged for taxes on stock-based compensation (Shares)

(475)

Shares exchanged for taxes on stock-based compensation

(14,000)

Exercise of stock options (Shares)

1,750

Exercise of stock options

32,000

Dividends paid

(1,935,000)

Balance at Sep. 30, 2014

$ 199,530,000

$ 2,688,000

$ 96,086,000

$ (217,000)

$ 100,973,000

Balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2014

8,065,233

[1]

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net (loss) income

$ (12,620,000)

$ 10,480,000

$ 11,113,000

^[1]

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation

40,168,000

37,095,000

32,498,000

Noncash compensation

1,225,000

1,797,000

1,489,000

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense

(6,067,000)

8,273,000

4,913,000

Provision for bad debt

63,000

327,000

Other

(57,000)

(118,000)

192,000

Change in current assets and liabilities:

(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable

(2,507,000)

16,168,000

32,670,000

(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets

(1,683,000)

25,000

3,359,000

Decrease in accounts payable

(3,467,000)

(2,952,000)

(1,593,000)

Decrease in accrued liabilities

(1,909,000)

(223,000)

(2,439,000)

Decrease in deferred revenue

(2,637,000)

(29,000)

(6,149,000)

Net cash provided by operating activities

10,446,000

70,579,000

76,380,000

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Capital expenditures, net of noncash capital expenditures summarized below

(35,281,000)

(48,485,000)

(44,832,000)

Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments

29,250,000

10,750,000

500,000

Acquisition of short-term investments

(32,750,000)

(30,250,000)

(4,500,000)

Proceeds from disposal of assets

2,686,000

481,000

252,000

Net cash used by investing activities

(36,095,000)

(67,504,000)

(48,580,000)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds from notes payable

10,000,000

983,000

9,346,000

Principal payments on notes payable

(10,823,000)

(8,898,000)

(5,814,000)

Principal payments on capital lease obligations

(932,000)

(736,000)

(220,000)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

32,000

608,000

184,000

Dividends paid

(1,935,000)

Net cash (used) provided by financing activities

(3,658,000)

(8,043,000)

3,496,000

Effect of exchange rate changes in cash and cash equivalents

(345,000)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

(29,652,000)

(4,968,000)

31,296,000

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

52,405,000

57,373,000

26,077,000

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

22,753,000

52,405,000

57,373,000

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Cash paid for interest

537,000

688,000

618,000

Cash paid for income taxes

735,000

1,665,000

262,000

Cash received for income taxes

3,000

42,000

3,258,000

NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

(Decrease) increase in accrued purchases of property and equipment

(1,693,000)

288,000

1,405,000

Capital lease obligations incurred

$ 485,000

$ 1,296,000

$ 1,427,000

[1]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and Nature of Operations

The Company is a leading provider of onshore seismic data acquisition and processing services. Founded in 1952, the Company acquires and processes 2-D, 3-D and multi-component seismic data for its clients, ranging from major oil and gas companies to independent oil and gas operators as well as providers of multi-client data libraries. The Company operates in the lower 48 states of the United States and in Canada.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Dawson Seismic Services Holdings, Inc. and Dawson Seismic Services ULC. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the financial statements, the Company considers demand deposits, certificates of deposit, overnight investments, money market funds and all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Management prepares its allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based on its review of past-due accounts, its past experience of historical write-offs and its current client base. While the collectability of outstanding client invoices is continually assessed, the inherent volatility of the energy industry’s business cycle can cause swift and unpredictable changes in the financial stability of the Company’s clients.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is capitalized at historical cost and depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Management’s estimation of this useful life is based on circumstances that exist in the seismic industry and information available at the time of the purchase of the asset. As circumstances change and new information becomes available, these estimates could change.

Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the results of operations for the period.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when triggering events occur suggesting deterioration in the assets’ recoverability or fair value. Recognition of an impairment charge is required if future expected undiscounted net cash flows are insufficient to recover the carrying value of the assets and the fair value of the assets is below the carrying value of the assets. Management’s forecast of future cash flows used to perform impairment analysis includes estimates of future revenues and expenses based on the Company’s anticipated future results while considering anticipated future oil and natural gas prices which is fundamental in assessing demand for the Company’s services. If the carrying amounts of the assets exceed the estimated expected undiscounted future cash flows, the Company measures the amount of possible impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to the fair value. No impairment charges were recognized for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 or 2012.

Leases

The Company leases certain equipment and vehicles under lease agreements. The Company evaluates each lease to determine its appropriate classification as an operating or capital lease for financial reporting purposes. Any lease that does not meet the criteria for a capital lease is accounted for as an operating lease. The assets and liabilities under capital leases are recorded at the lower of the present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair market value of the related assets. Assets under capital leases are amortized using the straight-line method over the initial lease term. Amortization of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation expense.

Revenue Recognition

Services are provided under cancelable service contracts. These contracts are either “turnkey” or “term” agreements. Under both types of agreements, the Company recognizes revenues when revenue is realizable and services have been performed. Services are defined as the commencement of data acquisition or processing operations. Revenues are considered realizable when earned according to the terms of the service contracts. Under turnkey agreements, revenue is recognized on a per unit of data acquired rate as services are performed. Under term agreements, revenue is recognized on a per unit of time worked rate as services are performed. In the case of a cancelled service contract, revenue is recognized and the client is billed for services performed up to the date of cancellation.

The Company receives reimbursements for certain out-of-pocket expenses under the terms of the service contracts. Amounts billed to clients are recorded in revenue at the gross amount including out-of-pocket expenses that are reimbursed by the client.

In some instances, clients are billed in advance of services performed. In those cases, the Company recognizes the liability as deferred revenue. As services are performed, those deferred revenue amounts are recognized as revenue.

In some instances, the contract contains certain permitting, surveying and drilling costs that are incorporated into the per unit of data acquired rate. In these circumstances, these set-up costs that occur prior to initiating revenue recognition are capitalized and amortized as data is acquired.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company measures all employee stock-based compensation awards, which include stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and common stock awards, using the fair value method and recognizes compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, in its financial statements. The Company records compensation expense as operating or general and administrative expense as appropriate in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the related stock options or restricted stock awards.

Foreign Currency Translation

The U.S. Dollar is the reporting currency for all periods presented. The functional currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is generally the local currency. All assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. Dollars at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate during the period. Equity transactions are translated using historical exchange rates. Adjustments resulting from translation are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income in the consolidated balance sheets. Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income under other income (expense).

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes by recognizing amounts of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and by using an asset and liability approach in recognizing the amount of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. Management determines deferred taxes by identifying the types and amounts of existing temporary differences, measuring the total deferred tax asset or liability using the applicable tax rate in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates of deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the year of an enacted rate change. The deferred tax asset is reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Management’s methodology for recording income taxes requires judgment regarding assumptions and the use of estimates, including determining the annual effective tax rate and the valuation of deferred tax assets, which can create variances between actual results and estimates and could have a material impact on the Company’s provision or benefit for income taxes. The Company’s effective tax rates differ from the statutory federal rate of 35% for certain items such as state and local taxes, non-deductible expenses, discrete items and expenses related to share-based compensation that were not expected to result in a tax deduction.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

Preparation of the accompanying financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Because of the use of assumptions and estimates inherent in the reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

3.	Fair Value of Financial Instruments

At September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s financial instruments included cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments in certificates of deposit, trade and other receivables, other current assets, accounts payable, other current liabilities, the Term Note, the Second Term Note, the Third Term Note and the DSS Term Note (each as defined below). Due to the short-term maturities of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, other current assets, accounts payables and other current liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value at the respective balance sheet dates. The carrying value of the Company’s Term Note and Second Term Note approximate their fair value due to the fact that the interest rates on the Term Note and Second Term Note are reset each month based on the prevailing market interest rate. The Company’s Third Term Note approximates its fair value based on a comparison with the prevailing market interest rate. The Company’s DSS Term Note approximates its fair value based on a comparison with the prevailing market interest rates. Due to the short-term maturities of the Company’s investments in certificates of deposit, the carrying amounts approximate fair value at the respective balance sheet dates. The fair values of the Company’s notes payable and investments in certificates of deposit are Level 2 measurements in the fair value hierarchy.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References+ Details

Property, Plant and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Property, Plant and Equipment

4.	Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment, together with the related estimated useful lives, were as follows:


	September 30,
	2014			2013			Useful Lives
Land, building and other	$	13,848,000		$	10,822,000			3 to 40 years
Recording equipment		206,517,000			197,134,000			5 to 10 years
Line clearing equipment		1,084,000			937,000			5 years
Vibrator energy sources		78,119,000			80,309,000			5 to 15 years
Vehicles		36,730,000			35,623,000			1.5 to 10 years
Other(a)		1,624,000			639,000			—

		337,922,000			325,464,000
Less accumulated depreciation		(173,428,000	)		(152,231,000	)

Net property, plant and equipment	$	164,494,000		$	173,233,000

(a)	Other represents accumulated costs associated with equipment fabrication and modification not yet completed.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Includes, but is not limited to, accounting policies and methodology, roll forwards, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, including composite depreciation, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, useful lives and method used, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

+ References+ Details

Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet Information

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet Information

5.	Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet Information

Accounts receivable consist of the following at September 30, 2014 and 2013:


	September 30,
	2014			2013
Trade and accrued trade receivables	$	39,445,000		$	36,751,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts		(250,000	)		(250,000	)
Accrued receivable for workers’ compensation stop loss policy		355,000			495,000
Other		445,000			492,000

Total accounts receivable	$	39,995,000		$	37,488,000

Other current liabilities consist of the following at September 30, 2014 and 2013:


	September 30,
	2014		2013
Accrued self-insurance reserves	$	1,524,000	$	1,865,000
Accrued profit sharing		—		1,313,000
Income and franchise taxes payable		96,000		243,000
Accrued insurance premiums		—		805,000
Other accrued expenses and current liabilities		2,477,000		1,928,000

Total other current liabilities	$	4,097,000	$	6,154,000

Debt

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Debt

Debt

The Company’s revolving line of credit loan agreement is with Frost Bank (formerly Western National Bank). Western National Bank merged into Frost Bank effective June 20, 2014. The agreement was renewed June 2, 2013 under the same terms as the previous agreement. The agreement permits the Company to borrow, repay and reborrow, from time to time until June 2, 2015, up to $20.0 million based on the borrowing base calculation as defined in the agreement. The Company’s obligations under this agreement are secured by a security interest in its accounts receivable, equipment and related collateral. Interest on the facility accrues at an annual rate equal to either the 30-day London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus two and one-quarter percent, or the Prime Rate, minus three-quarters percent, as the Company directs monthly, subject to an interest rate floor of 4%. Interest on the outstanding amount under the loan agreement is payable monthly. The loan agreement contains customary covenants for credit facilities of this type, including limitations on disposition of assets, mergers and reorganizations. The Company is also obligated to meet certain financial covenants under the loan agreement, including maintaining specified ratios with respect to cash flow coverage, current assets and liabilities and debt to tangible net worth. The Company was in compliance with all covenants including specified ratios as of September 30, 2014 and has the full line of credit available for borrowing. The Company has not utilized the revolving line of credit during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014 or 2013.

The Company’s credit loan agreement includes a term loan feature under which the Company has three outstanding term loans. The first two term loans were confirmed and brought under the renewed credit loan agreement in June 2013, while the other term loan was entered into in December 2013. In June 2011, the Company entered into the first term loan by obtaining $16,427,000 in financing for the purchase of Geospace Technologies GSR equipment (“Term Note”). The Term Note was repaid according to its terms over a period of 36 months at $485,444 per month plus any applicable interest in excess of 4%. Interest on the Term Note accrued at an annual rate equal to either the 30-day LIBOR, plus two and one-quarter percent, or the Prime Rate, minus three-quarters percent, as the Company directed monthly, subject to an interest rate floor of 4%, and otherwise had the same terms as the revolving line of credit. The Term Note was collateralized by a security interest in the Company’s accounts receivable, equipment and related collateral and matured on June 30, 2014.

In May 2012, the Company entered into a Multiple Advance Term Note (“Second Term Note”) under its credit loan agreement. Subject to the terms of the Third Term Note described below, the Second Term Note allows the Company to borrow from time to time up to $15.0 million to purchase equipment. The outstanding principal under the Second Term Note is amortized over a period of 36 months. The Second Term Note bears interest at an annual rate equal to either the 30-day LIBOR, plus two and one-quarter percent, or the Prime Rate, minus three-quarters percent, as the Company directs monthly, subject to an interest rate floor of 3.75%, and otherwise has the same terms as the revolving line of credit. The Second Term Note is collateralized by a security interest in the Company’s accounts receivable, equipment and related collateral and matures with all outstanding balances due on May 2, 2015. In July 2012, the Company borrowed $9,346,000 under the Second Term Note to purchase Geospace Technologies GSR recording equipment.

In December 2013, the Company entered into a second Multiple Advance Term Note (“Third Term Note”) under its credit loan agreement. The Third Term Note allows the Company to borrow from time to time up to $10.0 million to purchase equipment. Per the agreement, the Company will be unable to receive an advance for the remainder of the $15.0 million balance of the Second Term Note. The outstanding principal under the Third Term Note is amortized over a period of 36 months. The Third Term Note bears interest at an annual fixed rate equal to 3.16%, and otherwise has the same terms as the revolving line of credit. The Third Term Note is collateralized by a security interest in the Company’s accounts receivable, equipment and related collateral and matures with all outstanding balances due on December 2, 2016. In December 2013, the Company borrowed the full amount of $10.0 million under the Third Term Note to purchase Geospace Technologies GSX recording equipment.

In February 2013, the Company’s subsidiary DSS entered into a promissory note (“DSS Term Note”) with Wells Fargo Equipment Finance Company. DSS obtained $983,000 in financing for the purchase of equipment. The DSS Term Note is repayable over a period of 36 months at $28,980 per month and bears interest at an implied annual fixed rate of 3.84%. The DSS Term Note is collateralized by a security interest in the DSS equipment and matures with all outstanding balances due on February 5, 2016.

During fiscal 2012, the Company began leasing vehicles from Enterprise Fleet Management under capital leases. These capital lease obligations are payable in 36 to 60 monthly installments and mature between December 2014 and November 2017. At September 30, 2014, the Company had leased 101 vehicles under these capital leases.

The Company’s notes payable and obligations under capital leases consist of the following:


	September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013
Term Note	$	—		$	4,770,000
Second Term Note		2,287,000			5,616,000
Third Term Note		7,594,000			—
DSS Term Note		483,000			801,000
Revolving line of credit		—			—
Obligations under capital leases		1,321,000			1,768,000

	$	11,685,000		$	12,955,000
Less current maturities of notes payable and obligations under capital leases		(6,752,000	)		(9,258,000	)

	$	4,933,000		$	3,697,000

The aggregate maturities of the notes payable and obligations under capital leases at September 30, 2014 are as follows:


October 2014 – September 2015	$	6,752,000
October 2015 – September 2016		3,903,000
October 2016 – September 2017		1,020,000
October 2017 – September 2018		10,000

	$	11,685,000

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References+ Details

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Stock-Based Compensation

7.	Stock-Based Compensation

At September 30, 2014, the Company had one stock-based compensation plan. The awards outstanding under this plan and the associated accounting treatment are discussed below.

In fiscal year 2007, the Company adopted the Dawson Geophysical Company 2006 Stock and Performance Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan provides for the issuance of up to 750,000 shares of authorized Company common stock which may be awarded to officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company in various forms including options, common stock grants, restricted stock grants, restricted stock units and others. Stock option grant prices awarded under the Plan may not be less than the fair market value of the common stock subject to such option on the grant date, and the term of stock options shall extend no more than ten years after the grant date.

Incentive Stock Options:

The Company estimates the fair value of each stock option on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The expected term represents the average period that the Company expects stock options to be outstanding and is determined based on the Company’s historical experience. The risk free interest rate used by the Company as the discounting interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rates on the grant date for securities with maturity dates of approximately the expected term. As the Company had not historically declared dividends and did not expect to declare dividends at the time of grant, the dividend yield used in the calculation was zero. Actual value realized, if any, is dependent on the future performance of the Company’s common stock and overall stock market conditions. There is no assurance the value realized by an option holder will be at or near the value estimated by the Black-Scholes model.

A summary of the Company’s employee stock options as of September 30, 2014 as well as activity during the year then ended is presented below.


	Number of Optioned Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years		Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000)
Balance as of September 30, 2013		93,400		$	18.91
Exercised		(1,750	)	$	18.91
Forfeited		(500	)	$	18.91
Balance as of September 30, 2014		91,150		$	18.91		4.17	$	—

Exercisable as of September 30, 2014		91,150		$	18.91		4.17	$	—

No options were granted or vested during fiscal years 2014, 2013 or 2012. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $13,000, $518,000 and $173,000, respectively. All options outstanding vested prior to fiscal 2014.

Outstanding options at September 30, 2014 expire in December 2018 and have an exercise price of $18.91. There was no unrecognized compensation costs related to stock option awards as of September 30, 2014.

Stock options issued under the Plan are incentive stock options. No tax deduction is recorded when options are awarded. If an exercise and sale of vested options results in a disqualifying disposition, a tax deduction for the Company occurs. For the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were no excess tax benefits from disqualifying dispositions.

Cash received from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements during the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $32,000, $608,000 and $184,000, respectively.

The Company did not recognize compensation expense associated with stock option awards in fiscal 2014 and recognized $62,000 and $362,000 in fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively, which are included in operating or general and administrative expense, as appropriate, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income.

Restricted Stock Awards:

There were no restricted stock grants in 2014 or 2013. The Company granted 103,500 shares of restricted stock to employees in fiscal year 2012. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock awards in fiscal year 2012 was $23.55. The fair value of the restricted stock granted equals the market price on the grant date and vests in fiscal 2015.

A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock awards as of September 30, 2014 and changes during the year then ended is presented below.


	Number of Restricted Share Awards		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested restricted shares outstanding September 30, 2013		103,500	$	23.55
Vested		—	$	—
Forfeited		—	$	—

Nonvested restricted shares outstanding September 30, 2014		103,500	$	23.55

The Company recognized compensation expense related to restricted stock awards of $821,000, $1,307,000 and $883,000 in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which is included in operating or general and administrative expense as appropriate in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income. As of September 30, 2014, there was approximately $552,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock awards granted. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.69 years.

Restricted Stock Units:

Beginning in 2013, the Company began granting restricted stock units. The Company granted 21,411 and 2,000 restricted stock units in 2014 and 2013, respectively, with a weighted average grant date fair value of $31.91 and $27.14, respectively. The fair value of restricted stock units equals the market price on the grant date.

A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock unit awards as of September 30, 2014 and changes during the year then ended is presented below.


	Number of Restricted Share Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested restricted share units outstanding September 30, 2013		2,000		$	27.14
Granted		21,411		$	31.91
Vested		(1,500	)	$	28.33

Nonvested restricted share units outstanding September 30, 2014		21,911		$	31.72

The Company recognized compensation expense related to restricted stock units of $233,000 and $25,000 in fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively, which is included in operating or general and administrative expense as appropriate in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income. The Company did not recognize compensation expense associated with restricted stock units in fiscal 2012. As of September 30, 2014, there was approximately $486,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock units. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.14 years.

Common Stock Awards:

The Company granted common shares with immediate vesting to outside directors and employees in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012:


	Number of Shares Granted		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
2014		5,515	$	30.99
2013		14,484	$	27.83
2012		7,234	$	33.64

The Company recognized expense of $171,000, $403,000 and $244,000 in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, in operating or general and administrative expense as appropriate in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References+ Details

Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Employee Benefit Plans

9.	Employee Benefit Plans

The Company provides a 401(k) plan as part of its employee benefits package in order to retain quality personnel. During fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company elected to match 100% of the employee contributions up to a maximum of 6% of the participant’s gross salary. The Company’s matching contributions for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 were approximately $1,895,000, $1,747,000 and $1,521,000, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References+ Details

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Income Taxes

11.

Income Taxes

The Company’s components of (loss) income before income taxes are as follows:


	Year Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2012
(Loss) income before income taxes
Domestic	$	(11,671,000	)	$	23,019,000		$	16,936,000
Foreign		(6,229,000	)		(3,449,000	)		(420,000	)

Total	$	(17,900,000	)	$	19,570,000		$	16,516,000

The Company recorded income tax benefit in the current year of $5,280,000, as compared to expense of $9,090,000 and $5,403,000 in 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Income tax (benefit) expense from operations is comprised of the following:


	Year Ended September 30,
	2014			2013		2012
Current federal (benefit) expense	$	(74,000	)	$	124,000	$	(10,000	)
Current state expense		633,000			693,000		500,000
Foreign tax expense		228,000			—		—
Deferred federal (benefit) expense		(5,489,000	)		6,251,000		4,737,000
Deferred state (benefit) expense		(578,000	)		2,022,000		176,000

Total	$	(5,280,000	)	$	9,090,000	$	5,403,000

The income tax provision differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to (losses) income from continuing operations before income taxes as follows:


	Year Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2012
Tax (benefit) expense computed at statutory rate of 35%	$	(6,265,000	)	$	6,850,000		$	5,781,000
Change in valuation allowance		1,506,000			1,265,000			—
State income tax (benefit) expense, net of federal tax		32,000			1,486,000			433,000
Foreign losses		(1,506,000	)		(987,000	)		—
Transaction costs		332,000			—			(1,353,000	)
Other		621,000			476,000			542,000

Income tax (benefit) expense	$	(5,280,000	)	$	9,090,000		$	5,403,000

The principal components of the Company’s net deferred tax liability are as follows:


	September 30,
	2014			2013
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue	$	297,000		$	1,255,000
Restricted stock		756,000			390,000
Workers’ compensation		148,000			224,000
State tax net operating loss (NOL) carry forward		792,000			802,000
Federal tax NOL carry forward		11,205,000			9,012,000
Foreign tax NOL carry forward		2,441,000			952,000
Self-insurance		286,000			286,000
Canadian start-up costs		337,000			405,000
AMT credit carry forward		312,000			310,000
Other		565,000			166,000

Total gross deferred tax assets		17,139,000			13,802,000
Less valuation allowance		(2,771,000	)		(1,265,000	)

Total net deferred tax assets		14,368,000			12,537,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment		(42,199,000	)		(46,563,000	)

Total deferred tax liabilities		(42,199,000	)		(46,563,000	)

Net deferred tax liability	$	(27,831,000	)	$	(34,026,000	)

Current portion of net deferred tax asset/liability	$	5,977,000		$	1,664,000
Non-current portion of net deferred tax asset/liability		(33,808,000	)		(35,690,000	)

Total net deferred tax liability	$	(27,831,000	)	$	(34,026,000	)

At September 30, 2014, the Company had a gross NOL for U.S. federal income tax purposes of approximately $32,012,000. This NOL will begin to expire in 2031. The Company will carry forward the net federal NOL of approximately $11,205,000. The Company also had net state NOLs that will affect state taxes of approximately $792,000 at September 30, 2014. State NOLs will begin to expire in 2015. Carryback provisions are not allowed by all states, accordingly the state NOLs give rise to a deferred tax asset. Several of these carry forwards are primarily available in states where the Company believes the assets cannot be deemed to be more likely than not realizable. Based on management’s belief that the net operating loss carry forwards are not realizable, a $278,000 valuation allowance was maintained to offset these deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2014. The Company also has Canadian deferred tax assets that will begin to expire in 2032. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $2,492,000 against the Canadian deferred tax asset because management believes it is currently not more likely than not to be realizable.

The Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits in fiscal 2014 or 2013. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. There were no interest and penalties recognized in fiscal 2014 or 2013. In fiscal year 2012, there were interest and penalties included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income of $(98,000).

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References+ Details

Net (Loss) Income per Share Attributable to Common Stock

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Net (Loss) Income per Share Attributable to Common Stock

12.

Net (Loss) Income per Share Attributable to Common Stock

Net (loss) income per share attributable to common stock is calculated using the two-class method. The two-class method is an allocation method of calculating earnings (loss) per share when a company’s capital structure includes participating securities that have rights to undistributed earnings. The Company’s employees and officers that hold unvested restricted stock are entitled to dividends when the Company pays dividends.

The Company’s basic net (loss) income per share attributable to common stock is computed by reducing the Company’s net (loss) income by the net income allocable to unvested restricted stockholders that have a right to participate in earnings. The Company’s employees and officers that hold unvested restricted stock do not participate in losses because they are not contractually obligated to do so. The undistributed earnings are allocated based on the relative percentage of the weighted average shares of unvested restricted stock and the total of the weighted average common shares outstanding plus the weighted average unvested restricted stock shares. The basic net (loss) income per share attributable to common stock is computed by dividing the net (loss) income attributable to common stock by the weighted average shares outstanding. The Company’s dilutive net (loss) income per share attributable to common stock is computed by adjusting basic net (loss) income per share attributable to common stock by diluted income allocable to unvested restricted stock divided by weighted average diluted shares outstanding. A reconciliation of the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stock is as follows:


	Year Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2012(a)
				(in 000’s)
Net (loss) income	$	(12,620	)	$	10,480		$	11,113
Income allocable to unvested restricted stock		(25	)		(136	)		(158	)

Basic (loss) income attributable to common stock	$	(12,645	)	$	10,344		$	10,955

Reallocation of participating earnings		—			1			—

Diluted (loss) income attributable to common stock	$	(12,645	)	$	10,345		$	10,955

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic:		7,959,452			7,879,614			7,841,722
Dilutive common stock options and restricted stock units		—			40,751			35,385

Diluted:		7,959,452			7,920,365			7,877,107

Basic (loss) income attributable to a share of common stock	$	(1.59	)	$	1.31		$	1.40

Diluted (loss) income attributable to a share of common stock	$	(1.59	)	$	1.31		$	1.39

(a)

The Company had a net loss in 2014. As a result, all stock options and restricted stock units were antidilutive and excluded from weighted average shares used in determining the loss attributable to a share of common stock for the period.

The following weighted average numbers of certain securities have been excluded from the calculation of diluted (loss) income per share attributable to common stock, as their effects would be anti-dilutive.


	Year Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2012
Stock options		92,100		—		—
Restricted stock units		18,962		—		—

Total		111,062		—		—

Shares of 103,500, 103,500 and 184,600 unvested restricted stock at September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are included in common stock outstanding as such shares have a nonforfeitable right to participate in any dividends that might be declared and have the right to vote. Weighted average shares of unvested restricted stock included in common stock outstanding were as follows:


	2014		2013		2012
Unvested restricted stock		103,500		169,649		113,426

- Definition

The entire disclosure for earnings per share.

+ References+ Details

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies

14.

Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the Company cannot predict the outcomes of any such legal proceedings, management believes that the resolution of pending legal actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity as the Company believes it is adequately indemnified and insured.

The Company experiences contractual disputes with its clients from time to time regarding the payment of invoices or other matters. While the Company seeks to minimize these disputes and maintain good relations with its clients, the Company has in the past, and may in the future, experience disputes that could affect its revenues and results of operations in any period.

The Company has non-cancelable operating leases for office space in Midland, Houston, Denver, Oklahoma City, Pittsburgh and Calgary, Alberta.

The following table summarizes payments due in specific periods related to the Company’s contractual obligations with initial terms exceeding one year as of September 30, 2014.


	Payments Due by Period (in 000’s)
	Total		Within 1 Year		2-3 Years		4-5 Years		After 5 Years
Operating lease obligations (office space)	$	2,534	$	984	$	1,105	$	318	$	127

Some of the Company’s operating leases contain predetermined fixed increases of the minimum rental rate during the initial lease term. For these leases, the Company recognizes the related expense on a straight-line basis and records deferred rent as the difference between the amount charged to expense and the rent paid. Rental expense under the Company’s operating leases with initial terms exceeding one year was $965,000, $900,000 and $805,000 for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

As of September 30, 2014, the Company had unused letters of credit totaling approximately $233,000. The Company’s letters of credit principally back obligations associated with the Company’s self-insured retention on workers’ compensation claims. Effective in fiscal 2012, the Company was no longer self-insured for workers’ compensation claims after October 1, 2011. The unused letters of credit outstanding at September 30, 2014 are associated with workers’ compensation claims outstanding prior to October 1, 2011.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References+ Details

Rights Agreement

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Rights Agreement

15.

Rights Agreement

On July 8, 2009, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized and declared a dividend to the holders of record at the close of business on July 23, 2009 of one Right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock. When exercisable, each Right will entitle the registered holder to purchase from the Company a unit consisting of one one-hundredth of a share (a “Fractional Share”) of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company (the “Preferred Shares”), at a purchase price of $130.00 per Fractional Share, subject to adjustment (the “Purchase Price”). The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in a Rights Agreement (the “Rights Agreement”) effective as of the close of business on July 23, 2009 as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended between the Company and Computershare Shareowner Services LLC (formerly Mellon Investor Services LLC), as Rights Agent. The Rights Agreement replaced the previous rights plan that was originally adopted in 1999 which expired on July 23, 2009.

Initially, the Rights are attached to all certificates representing outstanding shares of Common Stock. The Rights will only separate from the Common Stock and a “Distribution Date” will only occur, with certain exceptions, upon the earlier of (i) ten days following a public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons (an “Acquiring Person”) has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, or (ii) ten business days following the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer that would result in a person’s becoming an Acquiring Person. In certain circumstances, the Distribution Date may be deferred by the Board of Directors.

The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date and will expire at the close of business on July 23, 2019, unless earlier redeemed or exchanged by the Company as described below.

In the event (a “Flip-In Event”) that a person becomes an Acquiring Person (except pursuant to a tender or exchange offer for all outstanding shares of Common Stock at a price and on terms that a majority of the directors of the Company who are not, and are not representatives, nominees, Affiliates or Associates of, an Acquiring Person or the person making the offer determines to be fair to and otherwise in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders (a “Permitted Offer”)), each holder of a Right will thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise of such Right, a number of shares of Common Stock (or, in certain circumstances, cash, property or other securities of the Company) having a Current Market Price (as defined in the Rights Agreement) equal to two times the exercise price of the Right. Notwithstanding the foregoing, following the occurrence of any Triggering Event, all Rights that are, or (under certain circumstances specified in the Rights Agreement) were, beneficially owned by or transferred to an Acquiring Person (or by certain related parties) will be null and void in the circumstances set forth in the Rights Agreement. However, Rights are not exercisable following the occurrence of any Flip-In Event until such time as the Rights are no longer redeemable by the Company as set forth below.

In the event (a “Flip-Over Event”) that, at any time from and after the time an Acquiring Person becomes such, (i) the Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction (other than certain mergers that follow a Permitted Offer), or (ii) 50% or more of the Company’s assets, cash flow or earning power is sold or transferred, each holder of a Right (except Rights that are voided as set forth above) shall thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise, a number of shares of common stock of the acquiring company having a Current Market Price equal to two times the exercise price of the Right. Flip-In Events and Flip-Over Events are collectively referred to as “Triggering Events.”

At any time until ten days following the first date of public announcement of the occurrence of a Flip-In Event, the Company may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $0.01 per Right, payable, at the option of the Company, in cash, shares of Common Stock or such other consideration as the Board of Directors may determine. After a person becomes an Acquiring Person, the right of redemption is subject to certain limitations in the Rights Agreement.

At any time after the occurrence of a Flip-In Event and prior to a person’s becoming the beneficial owner of 50% or more of the shares of Common Stock then outstanding or the occurrence of a Flip-Over Event, the Company may exchange the Rights (other than Rights owned by an Acquiring Person or an affiliate or an associate of an Acquiring Person, which will have become void), in whole or in part, at an exchange ratio of one share of Common Stock, and/or other equity securities deemed to have the same value as one share of Common Stock, per Right, subject to adjustment.

Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights as a shareholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends.

On October 8, 2014, the Company entered into a first amendment to the Rights Agreement rendering the Rights Agreement inapplicable to the Merger Agreement (as defined below) and the transactions contemplated thereby.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

16.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 that introduces a new five-step revenue recognition model in which an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also requires disclosures sufficient to enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to select a transition method and determine the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements.

- Definition

The entire disclosure of changes in accounting principles, including adoption of new accounting pronouncements, that describes the new methods, amount and effects on financial statement line items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 01

-Paragraph b

-Subparagraph 6

-Article 10

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 270

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 13

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6372559&loc=d3e765-108305

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 270

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 12

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6372559&loc=d3e725-108305

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 250

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28359718&loc=d3e22499-107794

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 250

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28359718&loc=d3e22580-107794

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Direct Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510796

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Indirect Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515603

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Accounting Change

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6503790

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Change in Accounting Principle

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507316

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 270

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.10-01.(b)(6))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27015980&loc=d3e46468-122699

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Retrospective Application

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6523989

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 250

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28359718&loc=d3e22583-107794

+ Details

Concentrations of Credit Risk

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Concentrations of Credit Risk

17.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk at any given time may consist of cash and cash equivalents, money market funds and overnight investment accounts, short-term investments in certificates of deposit, trade and other receivables and other current assets. At September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company had deposits with domestic and international banks in excess of federally insured limits. Management believes the credit risk associated with these deposits is minimal. Money market funds seek to preserve the value of the investment, but it is possible to lose money investing in these funds.

The Company’s sales are to clients whose activities relate to oil and natural gas exploration and production. The Company generally extends unsecured credit to these clients; therefore, collection of receivables may be affected by the economy surrounding the oil and natural gas industry or other economic conditions. The Company closely monitors extensions of credit and may negotiate payment terms that mitigate risk.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for any concentrations existing at the date of the financial statements that make an entity vulnerable to a reasonably possible, near-term, severe impact. This disclosure informs financial statement users about the general nature of the risk associated with the concentration, and may indicate the percentage of concentration risk as of the balance sheet date.

+ References+ Details

Subsequent Events

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Subsequent Events

18.

Subsequent Events

Quarterly Dividend

On November 10, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the payment on December 8, 2014 of an $.08 per share quarterly cash dividend to Company’s shareholders of record at the close of business on November 24, 2014. The quarterly dividend represents an aggregate distribution of approximately $645,000 based on outstanding number of shares of Common Stock as of the declaration date, or approximately $2,580,000 on an annualized basis.

Pending Merger Transaction

On October 8, 2014, the Company entered into a Merger Agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) with TGC Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation (“TGC”), and Riptide Acquisition Corp., a Texas corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of TGC (“Merger Sub”), pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company, with the Company continuing after the merger as the surviving entity and a wholly owned subsidiary of TGC.

The Merger Agreement has been approved by both companies’ boards of directors. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”) TGC will amend its certificate of formation to change its name to “Dawson Geophysical Company” (the “Name Change”). Immediately prior to the Effective Time, TGC will effect a reverse stock split with respect to its common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“TGC Common Stock”), on a one-for-three ratio (the “Reverse Stock Split”) to reduce the total number of shares of TGC Common Stock outstanding from approximately 22,001,125 to approximately 7,333,708. After giving effect to the Reverse Stock Split, in connection with the Merger each issued and outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.33-1/3 per share of the Company (the “Company Common Stock”) (other than shares of Company Common Stock owned by TGC, Merger Sub or the Company or any wholly owned subsidiary of the Company) will be automatically converted into the right to receive 1.760 shares of TGC split-effected Common Stock.

The parties have made customary representations and warranties and agreed to customary covenants in the Merger Agreement. In addition, the Company and TGC have each agreed to certain pre-closing covenants in the Merger Agreement, including, among other things, covenants that the Company and TGC will, and will cause its subsidiaries to, during the period between the date of the Merger Agreement and the Effective Time, conduct its business only in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and that each of the Company and TGC will not engage in certain types of transactions without the consent of the other during such period.

The Company is required to pay TGC a termination fee of $2.0 million in the event the Merger Agreement is terminated because:

•

an acquisition proposal relating to at least 50% of the Company’s common stock or assets is made public and subsequent to such public announcement,

•

the Merger Agreement is terminated due to (1) the Merger not closing on or before March 31, 2015 (or, in certain circumstances, May 31, 2015), (2) the Company’s shareholders not approving the Merger Agreement or (3) the Company breaching or failing to perform any of its representations and warranties, covenants or agreements in the Merger Agreement, and

•

the Company enters into a definitive agreement relating to an acquisition proposal within one year after termination of the Merger Agreement;

•

the Company’s board of directors changes, or fails to reaffirm when requested by TGC, its recommendation that the Company’s shareholders approve the Merger Agreement; or

•

the Company enters into a superior proposal.

Furthermore, either the Company or TGC will have to pay to the other party out-of-pocket expenses, including all fees and expenses payable to all legal, accounting, financial, public relations and other professional advisors arising out of, in connection with, or related to the Merger, up to a maximum of $1.5 million in the aggregate, if the Merger Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances.

Completion of the Merger is subject to certain customary conditions.

Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited)

19.

Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited)


	Quarter Ended
	December 31			March 31		June 30			September 30
Fiscal 2014:
Operating revenues	$	68,181,000		$	76,766,000	$	54,166,000		$	62,570,000
(Loss) income from operations	$	(4,967,000	)	$	2,822,000	$	(9,228,000	)	$	(6,531,000	)
Net (loss) income	$	(2,897,000	)	$	1,652,000	$	(7,493,000	)	$	(3,882,000	)
Basic (loss) income per share attributable to common stock	$	(0.36	)	$	0.20	$	(0.94	)	$	(0.49	)
Diluted (loss) income per share attributable to common stock	$	(0.36	)	$	0.20	$	(0.94	)	$	(0.49	)
Fiscal 2013:
Operating revenues	$	76,629,000		$	83,350,000	$	75,647,000		$	69,673,000
Income (loss) from operations	$	5,194,000		$	10,598,000	$	6,851,000		$	(2,463,000	)
Net income (loss)	$	2,928,000		$	6,279,000	$	4,063,000		$	(2,790,000	)
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to common stock	$	0.36		$	0.78	$	0.50		$	(0.35	)
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to common stock	$	0.36		$	0.78	$	0.50		$	(0.35	)

Basic and diluted (loss) income per share attributable to common stock are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of quarterly basic and diluted information may not equal the annual basic and diluted (loss) income per share attributable to common stock.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

+ References+ Details

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Sep. 30, 2014
Principles of Consolidation	*Principles of Consolidation* The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Dawson Seismic Services Holdings, Inc. and Dawson Seismic Services ULC. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash Equivalents	*Cash Equivalents* For purposes of the financial statements, the Company considers demand deposits, certificates of deposit, overnight investments, money market funds and all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	*Allowance for Doubtful Accounts* Management prepares its allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based on its review of past-due accounts, its past experience of historical write-offs and its current client base. While the collectability of outstanding client invoices is continually assessed, the inherent volatility of the energy industry’s business cycle can cause swift and unpredictable changes in the financial stability of the Company’s clients.
Property, Plant and Equipment	*Property, Plant and Equipment* Property, plant and equipment is capitalized at historical cost and depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Management’s estimation of this useful life is based on circumstances that exist in the seismic industry and information available at the time of the purchase of the asset. As circumstances change and new information becomes available, these estimates could change. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the results of operations for the period.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	*Impairment of Long-Lived Assets* Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when triggering events occur suggesting deterioration in the assets’ recoverability or fair value. Recognition of an impairment charge is required if future expected undiscounted net cash flows are insufficient to recover the carrying value of the assets and the fair value of the assets is below the carrying value of the assets. Management’s forecast of future cash flows used to perform impairment analysis includes estimates of future revenues and expenses based on the Company’s anticipated future results while considering anticipated future oil and natural gas prices which is fundamental in assessing demand for the Company’s services. If the carrying amounts of the assets exceed the estimated expected undiscounted future cash flows, the Company measures the amount of possible impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to the fair value. No impairment charges were recognized for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Leases	*Leases* The Company leases certain equipment and vehicles under lease agreements. The Company evaluates each lease to determine its appropriate classification as an operating or capital lease for financial reporting purposes. Any lease that does not meet the criteria for a capital lease is accounted for as an operating lease. The assets and liabilities under capital leases are recorded at the lower of the present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair market value of the related assets. Assets under capital leases are amortized using the straight-line method over the initial lease term. Amortization of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation expense.
Revenue Recognition	*Revenue Recognition* Services are provided under cancelable service contracts. These contracts are either “turnkey” or “term” agreements. Under both types of agreements, the Company recognizes revenues when revenue is realizable and services have been performed. Services are defined as the commencement of data acquisition or processing operations. Revenues are considered realizable when earned according to the terms of the service contracts. Under turnkey agreements, revenue is recognized on a per unit of data acquired rate as services are performed. Under term agreements, revenue is recognized on a per unit of time worked rate as services are performed. In the case of a cancelled service contract, revenue is recognized and the client is billed for services performed up to the date of cancellation. The Company receives reimbursements for certain out-of-pocket expenses under the terms of the service contracts. Amounts billed to clients are recorded in revenue at the gross amount including out-of-pocket expenses that are reimbursed by the client. In some instances, clients are billed in advance of services performed. In those cases, the Company recognizes the liability as deferred revenue. As services are performed, those deferred revenue amounts are recognized as revenue. In some instances, the contract contains certain permitting, surveying and drilling costs that are incorporated into the per unit of data acquired rate. In these circumstances, these set-up costs that occur prior to initiating revenue recognition are capitalized and amortized as data is acquired.
Stock-Based Compensation	*Stock-Based Compensation* The Company measures all employee stock-based compensation awards, which include stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and common stock awards, using the fair value method and recognizes compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, in its financial statements. The Company records compensation expense as operating or general and administrative expense as appropriate in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the related stock options or restricted stock awards.
Foreign Currency Translation	*Foreign Currency Translation* The U.S. Dollar is the reporting currency for all periods presented. The functional currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is generally the local currency. All assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. Dollars at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate during the period. Equity transactions are translated using historical exchange rates. Adjustments resulting from translation are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income in the consolidated balance sheets. Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income under other income (expense).
Income Taxes	*Income Taxes* The Company accounts for income taxes by recognizing amounts of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and by using an asset and liability approach in recognizing the amount of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. Management determines deferred taxes by identifying the types and amounts of existing temporary differences, measuring the total deferred tax asset or liability using the applicable tax rate in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates of deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the year of an enacted rate change. The deferred tax asset is reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Management’s methodology for recording income taxes requires judgment regarding assumptions and the use of estimates, including determining the annual effective tax rate and the valuation of deferred tax assets, which can create variances between actual results and estimates and could have a material impact on the Company’s provision or benefit for income taxes. The Company’s effective tax rates differ from the statutory federal rate of 35% for certain items such as state and local taxes, non-deductible expenses, discrete items and expenses related to share-based compensation that were not expected to result in a tax deduction.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements	*Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements* Preparation of the accompanying financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Because of the use of assumptions and estimates inherent in the reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Summary of Property Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment, together with the related estimated useful lives, were as follows:


	September 30,
	2014			2013			Useful Lives
Land, building and other	$	13,848,000		$	10,822,000			3 to 40 years
Recording equipment		206,517,000			197,134,000			5 to 10 years
Line clearing equipment		1,084,000			937,000			5 years
Vibrator energy sources		78,119,000			80,309,000			5 to 15 years
Vehicles		36,730,000			35,623,000			1.5 to 10 years
Other(a)		1,624,000			639,000			—

		337,922,000			325,464,000
Less accumulated depreciation		(173,428,000	)		(152,231,000	)

Net property, plant and equipment	$	164,494,000		$	173,233,000

(a)	Other represents accumulated costs associated with equipment fabrication and modification not yet completed.

Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Summary of Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consist of the following at September 30, 2014 and 2013:


	September 30,
	2014			2013
Trade and accrued trade receivables	$	39,445,000		$	36,751,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts		(250,000	)		(250,000	)
Accrued receivable for workers’ compensation stop loss policy		355,000			495,000
Other		445,000			492,000

Total accounts receivable	$	39,995,000		$	37,488,000

Summary of Other Current Liabilities

Other current liabilities consist of the following at September 30, 2014 and 2013:


	September 30,
	2014		2013
Accrued self-insurance reserves	$	1,524,000	$	1,865,000
Accrued profit sharing		—		1,313,000
Income and franchise taxes payable		96,000		243,000
Accrued insurance premiums		—		805,000
Other accrued expenses and current liabilities		2,477,000		1,928,000

Total other current liabilities	$	4,097,000	$	6,154,000

Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Summary of Notes Payable and Obligations under Capital Leases

The Company’s notes payable and obligations under capital leases consist of the following:


	September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013
Term Note	$	—		$	4,770,000
Second Term Note		2,287,000			5,616,000
Third Term Note		7,594,000			—
DSS Term Note		483,000			801,000
Revolving line of credit		—			—
Obligations under capital leases		1,321,000			1,768,000

	$	11,685,000		$	12,955,000
Less current maturities of notes payable and obligations under capital leases		(6,752,000	)		(9,258,000	)

	$	4,933,000		$	3,697,000

Aggregate Maturities of Notes Payable and Obligations Under Capital Leases

The aggregate maturities of the notes payable and obligations under capital leases at September 30, 2014 are as follows:


October 2014 – September 2015	$	6,752,000
October 2015 – September 2016		3,903,000
October 2016 – September 2017		1,020,000
October 2017 – September 2018		10,000

	$	11,685,000

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 55

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1A

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 7

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

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-Section 50

-Paragraph 8

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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 470

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

+ Details

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Summary of Employee Stock Options Activity

A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock awards as of September 30, 2014 and changes during the year then ended is presented below.


	Number of Restricted Share Awards		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested restricted shares outstanding September 30, 2013		103,500	$	23.55
Vested		—	$	—
Forfeited		—	$	—

Nonvested restricted shares outstanding September 30, 2014		103,500	$	23.55

Summary of Nonvested Restricted Stock Unit Awards

A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock unit awards as of September 30, 2014 and changes during the year then ended is presented below.


	Number of Restricted Share Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested restricted share units outstanding September 30, 2013		2,000		$	27.14
Granted		21,411		$	31.91
Vested		(1,500	)	$	28.33

Nonvested restricted share units outstanding September 30, 2014		21,911		$	31.72

Summary of Granted Common Shares With Immediate Vesting to Outside Directors and Employees

The Company granted common shares with immediate vesting to outside directors and employees in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012:


	Number of Shares Granted		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
2014		5,515	$	30.99
2013		14,484	$	27.83
2012		7,234	$	33.64

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Components Of (Loss) Income Before IncomeTaxes

The Company’s components of (loss) income before income taxes are as follows:


	Year Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2012
(Loss) income before income taxes
Domestic	$	(11,671,000	)	$	23,019,000		$	16,936,000
Foreign		(6,229,000	)		(3,449,000	)		(420,000	)

Total	$	(17,900,000	)	$	19,570,000		$	16,516,000

Summary of Income Tax (Benefit) Expense From Operations

Income tax (benefit) expense from operations is comprised of the following:


	Year Ended September 30,
	2014			2013		2012
Current federal (benefit) expense	$	(74,000	)	$	124,000	$	(10,000	)
Current state expense		633,000			693,000		500,000
Foreign tax expense		228,000			—		—
Deferred federal (benefit) expense		(5,489,000	)		6,251,000		4,737,000
Deferred state (benefit) expense		(578,000	)		2,022,000		176,000

Total	$	(5,280,000	)	$	9,090,000	$	5,403,000

Summary of Income Tax Provision Computed by Applying Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate to Income (Losses) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

The income tax provision differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to (losses) income from continuing operations before income taxes as follows:


	Year Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2012
Tax (benefit) expense computed at statutory rate of 35%	$	(6,265,000	)	$	6,850,000		$	5,781,000
Change in valuation allowance		1,506,000			1,265,000			—
State income tax (benefit) expense, net of federal tax		32,000			1,486,000			433,000
Foreign losses		(1,506,000	)		(987,000	)		—
Transaction costs		332,000			—			(1,353,000	)
Other		621,000			476,000			542,000

Income tax (benefit) expense	$	(5,280,000	)	$	9,090,000		$	5,403,000

Principal Components of Net Deferred Tax Liability

The principal components of the Company’s net deferred tax liability are as follows:


	September 30,
	2014			2013
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue	$	297,000		$	1,255,000
Restricted stock		756,000			390,000
Workers’ compensation		148,000			224,000
State tax net operating loss (NOL) carry forward		792,000			802,000
Federal tax NOL carry forward		11,205,000			9,012,000
Foreign tax NOL carry forward		2,441,000			952,000
Self-insurance		286,000			286,000
Canadian start-up costs		337,000			405,000
AMT credit carry forward		312,000			310,000
Other		565,000			166,000

Total gross deferred tax assets		17,139,000			13,802,000
Less valuation allowance		(2,771,000	)		(1,265,000	)

Total net deferred tax assets		14,368,000			12,537,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment		(42,199,000	)		(46,563,000	)

Total deferred tax liabilities		(42,199,000	)		(46,563,000	)

Net deferred tax liability	$	(27,831,000	)	$	(34,026,000	)

Current portion of net deferred tax asset/liability	$	5,977,000		$	1,664,000
Non-current portion of net deferred tax asset/liability		(33,808,000	)		(35,690,000	)

Total net deferred tax liability	$	(27,831,000	)	$	(34,026,000	)

Net (Loss) Income per Share Attributable to Common Stock (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to Common Stock

weighted average diluted shares outstanding. A reconciliation of the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stock is as follows:


	Year Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2012(a)
				(in 000’s)
Net (loss) income	$	(12,620	)	$	10,480		$	11,113
Income allocable to unvested restricted stock		(25	)		(136	)		(158	)

Basic (loss) income attributable to common stock	$	(12,645	)	$	10,344		$	10,955

Reallocation of participating earnings		—			1			—

Diluted (loss) income attributable to common stock	$	(12,645	)	$	10,345		$	10,955

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic:		7,959,452			7,879,614			7,841,722
Dilutive common stock options and restricted stock units		—			40,751			35,385

Diluted:		7,959,452			7,920,365			7,877,107

Basic (loss) income attributable to a share of common stock	$	(1.59	)	$	1.31		$	1.40

Diluted (loss) income attributable to a share of common stock	$	(1.59	)	$	1.31		$	1.39

(a)

Weighted Average Numbers of Securities Excluded from the Calculation of Diluted (Loss) Income Per Share Attributable to Common Stock


	Year Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2012
Stock options		92,100		—		—
Restricted stock units		18,962		—		—

Total		111,062		—		—

Weighted Average Shares Of Unvested Restricted Stock Included In Common Stock Outstanding

Weighted average shares of unvested restricted stock included in common stock outstanding were as follows:


	2014		2013		2012
Unvested restricted stock		103,500		169,649		113,426

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Company's Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes payments due in specific periods related to the Company’s contractual obligations with initial terms exceeding one year as of September 30, 2014.


	Payments Due by Period (in 000’s)
	Total		Within 1 Year		2-3 Years		4-5 Years		After 5 Years
Operating lease obligations (office space)	$	2,534	$	984	$	1,105	$	318	$	127

Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Summary of Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data


	Quarter Ended
	December 31			March 31		June 30			September 30
Fiscal 2014:
Operating revenues	$	68,181,000		$	76,766,000	$	54,166,000		$	62,570,000
(Loss) income from operations	$	(4,967,000	)	$	2,822,000	$	(9,228,000	)	$	(6,531,000	)
Net (loss) income	$	(2,897,000	)	$	1,652,000	$	(7,493,000	)	$	(3,882,000	)
Basic (loss) income per share attributable to common stock	$	(0.36	)	$	0.20	$	(0.94	)	$	(0.49	)
Diluted (loss) income per share attributable to common stock	$	(0.36	)	$	0.20	$	(0.94	)	$	(0.49	)
Fiscal 2013:
Operating revenues	$	76,629,000		$	83,350,000	$	75,647,000		$	69,673,000
Income (loss) from operations	$	5,194,000		$	10,598,000	$	6,851,000		$	(2,463,000	)
Net income (loss)	$	2,928,000		$	6,279,000	$	4,063,000		$	(2,790,000	)
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to common stock	$	0.36		$	0.78	$	0.50		$	(0.35	)
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to common stock	$	0.36		$	0.78	$	0.50		$	(0.35	)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 State	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of states in which the company operates	48
Impairment charges	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Federal statutory effective income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%

Short Term Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 Investment	Sep. 30, 2013 Investment
Investment [Line Items]
Maturity Period of certificates of deposit, minimum	3 months	3 months
Maturity Period of certificates of deposit, maximum	1 year	1 year
Number of certificates of deposit limited to banking institution	1	1
Investments exceeding FDIC limit	$ 0	$ 0

Property Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Land, building and other

Sep. 30, 2013

Land, building and other

Sep. 30, 2014

Recording Equipment

Sep. 30, 2013

Recording Equipment

Sep. 30, 2014

Line Clearing Equipment

Sep. 30, 2013

Line Clearing Equipment

Sep. 30, 2014

Vibrator Energy Sources

Sep. 30, 2013

Vibrator Energy Sources

Sep. 30, 2014

Vehicles

Sep. 30, 2013

Vehicles

Sep. 30, 2014

Other

Sep. 30, 2013

Other

Sep. 30, 2014

Minimum

Land, building and other

Sep. 30, 2014

Minimum

Recording Equipment

Sep. 30, 2014

Minimum

Line Clearing Equipment

Sep. 30, 2014

Minimum

Vibrator Energy Sources

Sep. 30, 2014

Minimum

Vehicles

Sep. 30, 2014

Maximum

Land, building and other

Sep. 30, 2014

Maximum

Recording Equipment

Sep. 30, 2014

Maximum

Vibrator Energy Sources

Sep. 30, 2014

Maximum

Vehicles

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Property, plant and equipment

$ 337,922,000

$ 325,464,000

$ 13,848,000

$ 10,822,000

$ 206,517,000

$ 197,134,000

$ 1,084,000

$ 937,000

$ 78,119,000

$ 80,309,000

$ 36,730,000

$ 35,623,000

$ 1,624,000

^[1]

$ 639,000

^[1]

Less accumulated depreciation

(173,428,000)

(152,231,000)

Net property, plant and equipment

$ 164,494,000

$ 173,233,000

Useful Lives

3 years

5 years

1 year 6 months

40 years

10 years

15 years

10 years

[1]	Other represents accumulated costs associated with equipment fabrication and modification not yet completed.

Summary of Accounts Receivable (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule Of Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Trade and accrued trade receivables	$ 39,445,000	$ 36,751,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(250,000)	(250,000)
Accrued receivable for workers' compensation stop loss policy	355,000	495,000
Other	445,000	492,000
Total accounts receivable	$ 39,995,000	$ 37,488,000

Summary of Other Current Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Current Liabilities [Line Items]
Accrued self-insurance reserves	$ 1,524,000	$ 1,865,000
Accrued profit sharing		1,313,000
Income and franchise taxes payable	96,000	243,000
Accrued insurance premiums		805,000
Other accrued expenses and current liabilities	2,477,000	1,928,000
Total other current liabilities	$ 4,097,000	$ 6,154,000

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable to insurance entities to mitigate potential loss from various risks or to satisfy a promise to provide certain coverage's to employees. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable arising from transactions not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References+ Details

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014 Installment Vehicle	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014 Term Note	Jun. 30, 2011 Term Note	May 31, 2012 Second Term Note	Sep. 30, 2014 Second Term Note	Jul. 31, 2012 Second Term Note	Dec. 31, 2013 Third Term Note	Sep. 30, 2014 Third Term Note	Dec. 05, 2013 Third Term Note	Feb. 28, 2013 DSS Term Note Dawson Seismic Services ULC	Sep. 30, 2014 DSS Term Note Dawson Seismic Services ULC	Sep. 30, 2014 Option One	Sep. 30, 2014 Option Two
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowing, repaying and reborrowing capacity	$ 20,000,000				$ 15,000,000			$ 10,000,000
Line of credit facility, interest rate description	Interest on the facility accrues at an annual rate equal to either the 30-day London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), plus two and one-quarter percent, or the Prime Rate, minus three-quarters percent, as the Company directs monthly, subject to an interest rate floor of 4%.
Line of credit facility agreement effective date	Jun. 02, 2013
Line of credit facility agreement expiry date	Jun. 02, 2015
Term Note, interest rate description													The Prime Rate, minus three-quarters percent	30-day London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), plus two and one-quarter percent
Term Note interest rate over which, interest is to be paid separately			4.00%		3.75%
Covenant compliance of line of credit facility	The Company was in compliance with all covenants including specified ratios as of September 30, 2014
Line of credit facility utilized	0	0
Funds obtained under term notes				16,427,000			9,346,000			10,000,000	983,000
Term note repayable over a period			36 months					36 months			36 months
Monthly term note repayment amount			$ 485,444								$ 28,980
Maturity of term loans			Jun. 30, 2014			May 02, 2015			Dec. 02, 2016			Feb. 05, 2016
Term Note, frequency of interest payment			Monthly
Term note, annual fixed interest rate								3.16%			3.84%
Term loan agreement condition									Per the agreement, the Company will be unable to receive an advance for the remainder of the $15.0 million balance of the Second Term Note
Number of installments in which capital leases are payable, minimum	36
Number of installments in which capital leases are payable, maximum	60
Capital lease obligations maturity period	December 2014 and November 2017
Number of vehicles leased under capital leases	101

Summary of Notes Payable and Obligations under Capital Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Notes payable and obligations under capital leases	$ 11,685,000	$ 12,955,000
Less current maturities of notes payable and obligations under capital leases	(6,752,000)	(9,258,000)
Notes payable and obligations under capital leases less current maturities	4,933,000	3,697,000
Obligations under capital leases
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Notes payable and obligations under capital leases	1,321,000	1,768,000
Term Note
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Notes payable and obligations under capital leases		4,770,000
Second Term Note
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Notes payable and obligations under capital leases	2,287,000	5,616,000
Third Term Note
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Notes payable and obligations under capital leases	7,594,000
DSS Term Note
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Notes payable and obligations under capital leases	$ 483,000	$ 801,000

Aggregate Maturities of Notes Payable and Obligations Under Capital Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
Notes Payable And Capital Lease Obligations [Line Items]
October 2014 - September 2015	$ 6,752,000
October 2015 - September 2016	3,903,000
October 2016 - September 2017	1,020,000
October 2017 - September 2018	10,000
Total	$ 11,685,000

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of common stock shares authorized by the Plan	750,000
Dividend yield	0.00%
Options granted in period	0	0	0
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 13,000	$ 518,000	$ 173,000
Outstanding options, expiration date	Dec. 31, 2018
Outstanding options, exercise price	$ 18.91	$ 18.91
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock option awards	0
Excess tax benefit from disqualifying dispositions	0	0	0
Cash received from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements	32,000	608,000	184,000
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options term	10 years
Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense associated with stock awards	821,000	1,307,000	883,000
Restricted stock grants	0	0	103,500
Grant date fair value of the restricted stock awards			$ 23.55
Vesting year	2015
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock awards	552,000
Nonvested awards, compensation cost not yet recognized, weighted average period for recognition	8 months 9 days
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense associated with stock awards	0	62,000	362,000
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense associated with stock awards	233,000	25,000	0
Restricted stock grants	21,411	2,000
Grant date fair value of the restricted stock awards	$ 31.91	$ 27.14
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock awards	486,000
Restricted stock units \| Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested awards, compensation cost not yet recognized, weighted average period for recognition	2 years 1 month 21 days
Common Stock Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense associated with stock awards	$ 171,000	$ 403,000	$ 244,000
Restricted stock grants	5,515	14,484	7,234
Grant date fair value of the restricted stock awards	$ 30.99	$ 27.83	$ 33.64

Summary of Employee Stock Options Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stock Based Compensation Activity [Line Items]
Balance as of September 30, 2013, Number of Optioned Shares	93,400
Exercised, Number of Optioned Shares	(1,750)
Forfeited, Number of Optioned Shares	(500)
Balance as of September 30, 2014, Number of Optioned Shares	91,150
Exercisable as of September 30, 2014, Number of Optioned Shares	91,150
Balance as of September 30, 2013, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 18.91
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 18.91
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 18.91
Balance as of September 30, 2014, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 18.91
Exercisable as of September 30, 2014, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 18.91
Balance as of September 30, 2014, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years	4 years 2 months 1 day
Exercisable as of September 30, 2014, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years	4 years 2 months 1 day
Balance as of September 30, 2014, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 0
Exercisable as of September 30, 2014, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 0

Summary of Nonvested Restricted Stock Awards (Detail) (Restricted stock, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2012
Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested restricted shares outstanding September 30, 2013, Number of Shares	103,500	184,600
Vested, Number of Shares	0
Forfeited, Number of Shares	0
Nonvested restricted shares outstanding September 30, 2014, Number of Shares	103,500	184,600
Nonvested Options awards outstanding Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Beginning balance	$ 23.55
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 0
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 0
Nonvested Options awards outstanding Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Ending balance	$ 23.55

Summary of Nonvested Restricted Stock Unit Awards (Detail) (Restricted stock units, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested restricted shares outstanding September 30, 2013, Number of Shares	2,000
Granted, Number of Shares	21,411	2,000
Vested, Number of Shares	(1,500)
Nonvested restricted shares outstanding September 30, 2014, Number of Shares	21,911	2,000
Nonvested Options awards outstanding Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Beginning balance	$ 27.14
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 31.91	$ 27.14
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 28.33
Nonvested Options awards outstanding Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Ending balance	$ 31.72	$ 27.14

Company Granted Common Shares with Immediate Vesting to Outside Directors and Employees (Detail) (Common Stock Awards, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Common Stock Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Granted	5,515	14,484	7,234
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 30.99	$ 27.83	$ 33.64

Dividends - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
Dividends - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 26, 2014	May 30, 2014	Feb. 24, 2014	Aug. 26, 2014	May 30, 2014	Feb. 24, 2014
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividend payable per share				$ 0.08	$ 0.08	$ 0.08
Dividend paid date	Aug. 26, 2014	May 30, 2014	Feb. 24, 2014
Dividend record date	Aug. 15, 2014	May 16, 2014	Feb. 14, 2014
Dividend declared date			Feb. 03, 2014
Quarterly dividend paid amount	$ 645,000	$ 645,000	$ 645,000
Dividend paid amount on annualized basis	$ 1,935,000	$ 1,935,000	$ 1,935,000

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule of Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Employer matching contribution	$ 1,895,000	$ 1,747,000	$ 1,521,000
Maximum Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of participant's Gross salary	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

Components Of (Loss)Income Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
(Loss) income before income taxes
Domestic	$ (11,671,000)	$ 23,019,000	$ 16,936,000
Foreign	(6,229,000)	(3,449,000)	(420,000)
(Loss) income before income tax	$ (17,900,000)	$ 19,570,000	$ 16,516,000

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Income tax (benefit) expense	$ (5,280,000)	$ 9,090,000	$ 5,403,000
Gross U.S. federal income tax NOL carry forward	32,012,000
NOL expiration year for U.S. Federal	2031
Net federal NOL carry forward	11,205,000	9,012,000
State tax net operating loss (NOL) carry forward	792,000	802,000
Net operating loss carry forwards valuation allowance	278,000
NOL Expiration Year For State	2015
Valuation allowance	2,771,000	1,265,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	0	0
Reduction in accrued interest and penalties	0	0	(98,000)
CANADA
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
NOL Expiration Year For Foreign	2032
Valuation allowance	$ 2,492,000

Summary of Income Tax (Benefit) Expense From Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Expense Benefit [Line Items]
Current federal (benefit) expense	$ (74,000)	$ 124,000	$ (10,000)
Current state expense	633,000	693,000	500,000
Foreign tax expense	228,000
Deferred federal (benefit) expense	(5,489,000)	6,251,000	4,737,000
Deferred state (benefit) expense	(578,000)	2,022,000	176,000
Income tax (benefit) expense	$ (5,280,000)	$ 9,090,000	$ 5,403,000

- Definition

Amount of current federal tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Amount of current state and local tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Amount of deferred federal income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Amount of deferred state and local tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations.

+ References+ Details

Summary of Income Tax Provision Computed by Applying Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate to Income (Losses) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule of Components of Income Before Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Tax (benefit) expense computed at statutory rate of 35%	$ (6,265,000)	$ 6,850,000	$ 5,781,000
Change in valuation allowance	1,506,000	1,265,000
State income tax (benefit) expense, net of federal tax	32,000	1,486,000	433,000
Foreign losses	(1,506,000)	(987,000)
Transaction costs	332,000		(1,353,000)
Other	621,000	476,000	542,000
Income tax (benefit) expense	$ (5,280,000)	$ 9,090,000	$ 5,403,000

Principal Components of Net Deferred Tax Liability (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue	$ 297,000	$ 1,255,000
Restricted stock	756,000	390,000
Workers' compensation	148,000	224,000
State tax net operating loss (NOL) carry forward	792,000	802,000
Federal tax NOL carry forward	11,205,000	9,012,000
Foreign tax NOL carry forward	2,441,000	952,000
Self-insurance	286,000	286,000
Canadian start-up costs	337,000	405,000
AMT credit carry forward	312,000	310,000
Other	565,000	166,000
Total gross deferred tax assets	17,139,000	13,802,000
Less valuation allowance	(2,771,000)	(1,265,000)
Total net deferred tax assets	14,368,000	12,537,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(42,199,000)	(46,563,000)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(42,199,000)	(46,563,000)
Net deferred tax liability	(27,831,000)	(34,026,000)
Current portion of net deferred tax asset/liability	5,977,000	1,664,000
Non-current portion of net deferred tax asset/liability	(33,808,000)	(35,690,000)
Net deferred tax liability	$ (27,831,000)	$ (34,026,000)

Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Common Stock (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Income Per Common Share [Line Items]

Net (loss) income

$ (3,882,000)

$ (7,493,000)

$ 1,652,000

$ (2,897,000)

$ (2,790,000)

$ 4,063,000

$ 6,279,000

$ 2,928,000

$ (12,620,000)

$ 10,480,000

$ 11,113,000

^[1]

Income allocable to unvested restricted stock

(25,000)

(136,000)

(158,000)

^[1]

Basic (loss) income attributable to common stock

(12,645,000)

10,344,000

10,955,000

^[1]

Reallocation of participating earnings

1,000

Diluted (loss) income attributable to common stock

$ (12,645,000)

$ 10,345,000

$ 10,955,000

^[1]

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

Basic:

7,959,452

7,879,614

7,841,722

^[1]

Dilutive common stock options and restricted stock units

40,751

35,385

^[1]

Diluted:

7,959,452

7,920,365

7,877,107

^[1]

Basic (loss) income attributable to a share of common stock

$ (0.49)

$ (0.94)

$ 0.20

$ (0.36)

$ (0.35)

$ 0.50

$ 0.78

$ 0.36

$ (1.59)

$ 1.31

$ 1.40

^[1]

Diluted (loss) income attributable to a share of common stock

$ (0.49)

$ (0.94)

$ 0.20

$ (0.36)

$ (0.35)

$ 0.50

$ 0.78

$ 0.36

$ (1.59)

$ 1.31

$ 1.39

^[1]

Restricted stock

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

Nonvested restricted shares included in common stock outstanding

103,500

184,600

[1]

Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Common Stock (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Income Per Common Share [Line Items]

Basic earnings per share

$ (0.49)

$ (0.94)

$ 0.20

$ (0.36)

$ (0.35)

$ 0.50

$ 0.78

$ 0.36

$ (1.59)

$ 1.31

$ 1.40

^[1]

Diluted earnings per share

$ (0.49)

$ (0.94)

$ 0.20

$ (0.36)

$ (0.35)

$ 0.50

$ 0.78

$ 0.36

$ (1.59)

$ 1.31

$ 1.39

^[1]

Weighted average shares outstanding basic

7,959,452

7,879,614

7,841,722

^[1]

Weighted average shares outstanding diluted

7,959,452

7,920,365

7,877,107

^[1]

Scenario Adjustment

Income Per Common Share [Line Items]

Basic earnings per share

$ 1.42

Diluted earnings per share

$ 1.40

Weighted average shares outstanding basic

7,841,722

Weighted average shares outstanding diluted

7,931,593

[1]

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References+ Details

Securities Excluded from Calculation of Diluted Net (Loss) Income Per Share (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted average number of securities excluded from computation	111,062
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted average number of securities excluded from computation	92,100
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted average number of securities excluded from computation	18,962

- Definition

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

+ References+ Details

Major Clients - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
Major Clients - Additional Information (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2014 Segment
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of business segment	1
Customer Concentration Risk \| Sales Revenue, Net
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales percentage of operating revenue to major clients	10.00%

Summary of Percentage of Operating Revenues from Major Clients (Detail) (Sales Revenue, Net, Customer Concentration Risk)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014 Largest Client	Sep. 30, 2013 Largest Client	Sep. 30, 2014 Second Largest Client	Sep. 30, 2013 Second Largest Client	Sep. 30, 2014 Third Largest Client	Sep. 30, 2012 Varied Clients
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales percentage of operating revenue to major clients	10.00%	16.00%	19.00%	13.00%	17.00%	12.00%	21.00%

Company's Contractual Obligations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Operating Lease Obligations [Line Items]
Operating lease obligations (office space), Total	$ 2,534
Operating lease obligations (office space), Within 1 Year	984
Operating lease obligations (office space), 2-3 Years	1,105
Operating lease obligations (office space), 4-5 Years	318
Operating lease obligations (office space), After 5 Years	$ 127

Right Agreement - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 23, 2009	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 23, 2009 Right
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Rights granted against each share outstanding			1
Preferred Stock, par value			$ 1.00
Rights Exercisable as Units, Component Description	Unit consisting of one one-hundredth of a share (a "Fractional Share") of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company (the "Preferred Shares"), at a purchase price of $130.00 per Fractional Share, subject to adjustment
Preferred Stock, purchase price		$ 130.00
Distribution date following public announcement		10 days
Distribution date following commencement of tender		10 days
Common stock acquisition beneficial ownership recognized percentage		15.00%
Fractional Share		0.01
After flip- in event recognized percentage		50.00%
Conversion ratio of common stock		1
Flip - Over Event
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Percentage of assets cash flow or earning power		50.00%

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended								0 Months Ended
	Aug. 26, 2014	May 30, 2014	Feb. 24, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 26, 2014	May 30, 2014	Feb. 24, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 10, 2014 Subsequent Event	Oct. 08, 2014 Subsequent Event	Nov. 10, 2014 Subsequent Event	Oct. 08, 2014 Subsequent Event	Oct. 08, 2014 Subsequent Event Company or TGC Maximum	Oct. 08, 2014 Subsequent Event Before Reverse Stock Split
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividend payable per share					$ 0.08	$ 0.08	$ 0.08				$ 0.08
Dividend declared date			Feb. 03, 2014						Nov. 10, 2014
Dividend paid date	Aug. 26, 2014	May 30, 2014	Feb. 24, 2014						Dec. 08, 2014
Dividend record date	Aug. 15, 2014	May 16, 2014	Feb. 14, 2014						Nov. 24, 2014
Quarterly dividend paid amount	$ 645,000	$ 645,000	$ 645,000						$ 645,000
Dividend paid amount on annualized basis	1,935,000	1,935,000	1,935,000						2,580,000
Common stock, par value				$ 0.33				$ 0.33				$ 0.33		$ 0.01
Reverse stock split										0.3333
Common stock, shares outstanding				8,065,233				8,056,943				7,333,708		22,001,125
Split-effected Common Stock										1.760
Amount payable in the event of Merger Agreement termination												$ 2,000,000	$ 1,500,000

Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]

Operating revenues

$ 62,570,000

$ 54,166,000

$ 76,766,000

$ 68,181,000

$ 69,673,000

$ 75,647,000

$ 83,350,000

$ 76,629,000

$ 261,683,000

$ 305,299,000

$ 319,274,000

(Loss) income from operations

(6,531,000)

(9,228,000)

2,822,000

(4,967,000)

(2,463,000)

6,851,000

10,598,000

5,194,000

(17,904,000)

20,180,000

16,601,000

Net (loss) income

$ (3,882,000)

$ (7,493,000)

$ 1,652,000

$ (2,897,000)

$ (2,790,000)

$ 4,063,000

$ 6,279,000

$ 2,928,000

$ (12,620,000)

$ 10,480,000

$ 11,113,000

^[1]

Basic (loss) income per share attributable to common stock

$ (0.49)

$ (0.94)

$ 0.20

$ (0.36)

$ (0.35)

$ 0.50

$ 0.78

$ 0.36

$ (1.59)

$ 1.31

$ 1.40

^[1]

Diluted (loss) income per share attributable to common stock

$ (0.49)

$ (0.94)

$ 0.20

$ (0.36)

$ (0.35)

$ 0.50

$ 0.78

$ 0.36

$ (1.59)

$ 1.31

$ 1.39

^[1]

[1]

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References+ Details

Advertising Costs - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Selling General And Administrative Expenses [Line Items]
Total advertising costs	$ 223,000	$ 319,000	$ 340,000

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating Lease Obligations [Line Items]
Rental expense under operating leases with initial terms exceeding one year	$ 965,000	$ 900,000	$ 805,000
Unused letters of credit, total	$ 233,000

Summary (Detail)	12 Months Ended
Summary (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested restricted stock	103,500	169,649	113,426