Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Nov. 23, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000351231
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 260,868,713
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		8,031,369

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 57,373,000	$ 26,077,000
Short-term investments	4,000,000
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $250,000 and $155,000 at September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively	53,719,000	86,716,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets	762,000	4,254,000
Current deferred tax asset	1,925,000	1,236,000
Total current assets	117,779,000	118,283,000
Property, plant and equipment	326,030,000	302,647,000
Less accumulated depreciation	(164,634,000)	(156,106,000)
Net property, plant and equipment	161,396,000	146,541,000
Total assets	279,175,000	264,824,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	18,544,000	18,732,000
Accrued liabilities:
Payroll costs and other taxes	1,802,000	1,436,000
Other	6,425,000	9,230,000
Deferred revenue	3,467,000	9,616,000
Current maturities of notes payable and obligations under capital leases	9,131,000	5,290,000
Total current liabilities	39,369,000	44,304,000
Long-term liabilities:
Notes payable and obligations under capital leases less current maturities	11,179,000	10,281,000
Deferred tax liability	27,678,000	22,076,000
Total long-term liabilities	38,857,000	32,357,000
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, 8,031,369 and 7,910,885 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively	2,677,000	2,637,000
Additional paid-in capital	93,224,000	91,591,000
Retained earnings	105,048,000	93,935,000
Total stockholders' equity	200,949,000	188,163,000
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 279,175,000	$ 264,824,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 250,000	$ 155,000
Preferred stock, par value	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding
Common stock, par value	$ 0.33	$ 0.33
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	8,031,369	7,910,885
Common stock, shares outstanding	8,031,369	7,910,885

Number of shares of common stock outstanding. Common stock represent the ownership interest in a corporation.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Face amount or stated value per share of nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer); generally not indicative of the fair market value per share.

+ References+ Details

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 319,274,000	$ 333,279,000	$ 205,272,000
Operating costs:
Operating expenses	258,970,000	292,519,000	185,588,000
General and administrative	11,205,000	13,550,000	7,131,000
Depreciation	32,498,000	30,536,000	27,126,000
Operating costs, Total	302,673,000	336,605,000	219,845,000
Income (loss) from operations	16,601,000	(3,326,000)	(14,573,000)
Other income (expense):
Interest income	28,000	35,000	185,000
Interest expense	(629,000)	(167,000)
Other income	516,000	651,000	398,000
Income (loss) before income tax	16,516,000	(2,807,000)	(13,990,000)
Income tax (expense) benefit:
Current	(490,000)	2,929,000	7,102,000
Deferred	(4,913,000)	(3,368,000)	(2,464,000)
Income tax (expense) benefit, Total	(5,403,000)	(439,000)	4,638,000
Net income (loss)	$ 11,113,000	$ (3,246,000)	$ (9,352,000)
Basic income (loss) per common share	$ 1.42	$ (0.42)	$ (1.20)
Diluted income (loss) per common share	$ 1.40	$ (0.42)	$ (1.20)
Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding	7,841,722	7,809,561	7,777,404
Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding - assuming dilution	7,931,593	7,809,561	7,777,404

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings
Balance at Sep. 30, 2009	$ 198,379,000	$ 2,608,000	$ 89,220,000	$ 18,000	$ 106,533,000
Balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2009		7,822,994
Net income (loss)	(9,352,000)				(9,352,000)
Other comprehensive loss net of tax:
Realization of losses on investment				(28,000)
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period	3,000			3,000
Income tax benefit				11,000
Other comprehensive loss	(14,000)			(14,000)
Comprehensive loss for the period	(9,366,000)
Stock-based compensation expense	1,398,000		1,398,000
Issuance of common stock as compensation	185,000	3,000	182,000
Issuance of common stock as compensation, Shares		8,340
Issuance of restricted stock awards and unearned compensation		28,000	(28,000)
Issuance of restricted stock awards and unearned compensation, Shares		84,100
Exercise of stock options	4,000		4,000
Exercise of stock options, Shares		250
Shares exchanged for taxes on stock-based compensation	(375,000)	(5,000)	(370,000)
Shares exchanged for taxes on stock-based compensation, Shares		(13,578)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2010	190,225,000	2,634,000	90,406,000	4,000	97,181,000
Balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2010		7,902,106
Net income (loss)	(3,246,000)				(3,246,000)
Other comprehensive loss net of tax:
Realization of losses on investment				(6,000)
Income tax benefit				2,000
Other comprehensive loss	(4,000)			(4,000)
Comprehensive loss for the period	(3,250,000)
Tax deficit resulting from share-based compensation	(453,000)		(453,000)
Stock-based compensation expense	1,485,000		1,485,000
Issuance of common stock as compensation	186,000	2,000	184,000
Issuance of common stock as compensation, Shares		6,479
Forfeiture of restricted stock awards	(1,000)	(1,000)
Forfeiture of restricted stock awards, Shares		(4,000)
Exercise of stock options	297,000	5,000	292,000
Exercise of stock options, Shares		15,700
Shares exchanged for taxes on stock-based compensation	(326,000)	(3,000)	(323,000)
Shares exchanged for taxes on stock-based compensation, Shares		(9,400)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2011	188,163,000	2,637,000	91,591,000	0	93,935,000
Balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2011		7,910,885
Net income (loss)	11,113,000				11,113,000
Other comprehensive loss net of tax:
Stock-based compensation expense	1,245,000		1,245,000
Issuance of common stock as compensation	244,000	3,000	241,000
Issuance of common stock as compensation, Shares		7,234
Issuance of restricted stock awards and unearned compensation		34,000	(34,000)
Issuance of restricted stock awards and unearned compensation, Shares		103,500
Exercise of stock options	184,000	3,000	181,000
Exercise of stock options, Shares	9,750	9,750
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	$ 200,949,000	$ 2,677,000	$ 93,224,000	$ 0	$ 105,048,000
Balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2012		8,031,369

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$ 11,113,000	$ (3,246,000)	$ (9,352,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	32,498,000	30,536,000	27,126,000
Noncash compensation	1,489,000	1,671,000	1,583,000
Deferred income tax expense	4,913,000	3,368,000	2,464,000
Provision for bad debts	327,000	231,000	256,000
Other	192,000	(516,000)	(343,000)
Change in current assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable	32,670,000	(30,613,000)	(17,876,000)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets	3,359,000	3,402,000	(37,000)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable	(1,593,000)	3,628,000	6,181,000
Decrease in accrued liabilities	(2,439,000)	(922,000)	(1,732,000)
(Decrease) increase in deferred revenue	(6,149,000)	9,412,000	(2,026,000)
Net cash provided by operating activities	76,380,000	16,951,000	6,244,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures, net of noncash capital expenditures summarized below in noncash investing and financing activities	(44,832,000)	(58,550,000)	(18,835,000)
Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments	500,000	22,500,000	20,000,000
Acquisition of short-term investments	(4,500,000)	(2,500,000)	(14,964,000)
Proceeds from disposal of assets	252,000	741,000	434,000
Partial proceeds on fire insurance claim		1,392,000
Net cash used in investing activities	(48,580,000)	(36,417,000)	(13,365,000)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable	9,346,000	16,427,000
Principal payments on notes payable	(5,814,000)	(856,000)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(220,000)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	184,000	297,000	4,000
Net cash provided by financing activities	3,496,000	15,868,000	4,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	31,296,000	(3,598,000)	(7,117,000)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	26,077,000	29,675,000	36,792,000
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	57,373,000	26,077,000	29,675,000
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest expense	618,000	115,000
Cash paid for income taxes	262,000	509,000	839,000
Cash received for income taxes	3,258,000	7,366,000	8,125,000
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Accrued purchases of property and equipment	1,405,000	830,000	1,127,000
Equipment purchase through asset trade in			2,260,000
Capital lease obligations incurred	1,427,000
Unrealized gain on investments			$ 3,000

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and Nature of Operations

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.

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 in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September 30, 2012, 2011 or 2010.

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 depreciated using the straight-line method over the initial lease term.

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 customer 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, customers 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.

When it becomes evident that the estimates of total costs to be incurred on a contract will exceed the total estimates of revenue to be earned, an estimated contract loss is recognized in the period in which the loss is identifiable.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company measures all employee stock-based compensation awards, which include stock options and restricted stock, 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 on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the related stock options or restricted stock awards.

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.

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.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity.

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

3. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

At September 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company’s financial instruments included cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, other current assets, accounts payable, other current liabilities and the Term Note. At September 30, 2012, the Company’s financial instruments also included short-term investments in certificates of deposit and the Second Term Note. Due to the short-term maturities of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments in certificates of deposit, 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 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.

- 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

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 107

-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 107

-Paragraph 15C, 15D

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 157

-Paragraph 32, 33, 34

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 44A, 44B

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-Paragraph 10

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Publisher FASB

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-Number 107

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-Number 159

-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 107

-Paragraph 15A

-Subparagraph a-d

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+ Details

Property, Plant and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

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,
	2012			2011			Useful Lives
Land, building and other	$	8,641,000		$	7,532,000			3 to 40 years
Recording equipment		206,642,000			199,347,000			5 to 10 years
Line clearing equipment		913,000			—			5 years
Vibrator energy sources		76,813,000			65,175,000			5 to 15 years
Vehicles		32,429,000			30,337,000			1.5 to 10 years
Other(a)		592,000			256,000			—

		326,030,000			302,647,000
Less accumulated depreciation		(164,634,000	)		(156,106,000	)

Net property, plant and equipment	$	161,396,000		$	146,541,000

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

- Definition

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

+ References+ Details

Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet Information

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]

Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet Information

5. Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet Information

Accounts receivable consist of the following at September 30, 2012 and 2011:


	September 30,
	2012			2011
Trade and accrued trade receivables	$	53,268,000		$	82,676,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts		(250,000	)		(155,000	)
Accrued receivable for workers’ compensation stop loss policy		623,000			3,852,000
Other		78,000			343,000

Total accounts receivable	$	53,719,000		$	86,716,000

Prepaid expenses and other assets consist of the following at September 30, 2012 and 2011:


	September 30,
	2012		2011
Prepaid expenses and other assets	$	762,000	$	943,000
Income tax receivable		—		3,311,000

Total prepaid expenses and other assets	$	762,000	$	4,254,000

Other current liabilities consist of the following at September 30, 2012 and 2011:


	September 30,
	2012		2011
Accrued self-insurance reserves	$	2,181,000	$	5,567,000
Income and franchise taxes payable		1,096,000		897,000
Other accrued expenses and current liabilities		3,148,000		2,766,000

Total other current liabilities	$	6,425,000	$	9,230,000

Debt

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Debt [Abstract]

Debt

6. Debt

The Company’s revolving line of credit loan agreement is with Western National Bank. The agreement was renewed June 2, 2011 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, 2013, 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 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, 2012 and December 5, 2012 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, 2012 or September 30, 2011.

The Company amended its credit loan agreement with Western National Bank on June 30, 2011 to add the Term Note provision, under which the Company obtained $16,427,000 in financing for the purchase of Geospace Technologies GSR equipment. The Term Note is repayable over a period of 36 months at $485,444 per month plus any applicable interest. Interest on the Term Note accrues 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 4%, and otherwise has the same terms as the revolving line of credit. The 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 June 30, 2014. The fair value of the Term Note approximates its carrying value at September 30, 2012 due to the fact that the interest rate on the Term Note is reset each month based on the prevailing market interest rate.

On May 11, 2012, the Company entered into the Second Term Note under its credit loan agreement with Western National Bank. 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 will be 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. On July 5, 2012, the Company borrowed $9,346,000 under the Second Term Note to purchase Geospace Technologies GSR recording equipment. The fair value of the Second Term Note approximates its carrying value at September 30, 2012 due to the fact that the interest rate on the Second Term Note is reset each month based on the prevailing market interest rate.

In the second quarter of 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 February 2017. At September 30, 2012, the Company had leased 42 vehicles under these capital leases.

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


	September 30, 2012			September 30, 2011
Term Note	$	10,281,000		$	15,571,000
Second Term Note		8,821,000			—
Revolving line of credit		—			—
Obligations under capital leases		1,208,000			—

	$	20,310,000		$	15,571,000
Less current maturities of notes payable and obligations under capital leases		(9,131,000	)		(5,290,000	)

	$	11,179,000		$	10,281,000

The aggregate maturities of the notes payable and obligations under capital leases at September 30, 2012 are as follows:


October 2012 – September 2013	$	9,131,0000
October 2013 – September 2014		8,530,000
October 2014 – September 2015		2,545,000
October 2015 – September 2016		73,000
October 2016 – September 2017		31,000

	$	20,310,000

- 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, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

7. Stock-Based Compensation

At September 30, 2012, the Company had one stock-based compensation plan. The awards outstanding under this plan and the associated accounting treatment are discussed below.

In fiscal 2007, the Company adopted the Dawson Geophysical Company 2006 Stock and Performance Incentive Plan (“the Plan”). The Plan provides 750,000 shares of authorized but unissued common stock of the Company which may be awarded to officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company in various forms including options, grants, restricted stock grants 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 has not historically declared dividends and does not expect to declare dividends over the near term, the dividend yield used in the calculation is 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 optionee 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, 2012, 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, 2011		135,300		$	18.91
Granted		—			—
Exercised		(9,750	)		18.91			$	173
Forfeited		—			—

Balance as of September 30, 2012		125,550		$	18.91		6.17	$	797

Exercisable as of September 30, 2012		87,800		$	18.91		6.17	$	558

No options were granted during fiscal 2012, 2011 or 2010. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $173,000, $318,000 and $1,000, respectively. The total fair value of options vested during fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $362,000, $362,000 and $364,000, respectively.

A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested stock option awards as of September 30, 2012 and changes during the year then ended is presented below.


	Number of Nonvested Share Awards			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested option awards outstanding September 30, 2011		75,500		$	9.59
Granted		—			—
Vested		(37,750	)		9.59
Forfeited		—			—

Nonvested option awards outstanding September 30, 2012		37,750		$	9.59

Outstanding options at September 30, 2012 expire in December 2018 and have an exercise price of $18.91. As of September 30, 2012, there was approximately $61,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock option awards to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.17 years.

Stock options issued under the Company’s 2006 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, 2012, 2011 and 2010, 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, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $184,000, $297,000 and $4,000, respectively.

The Company recognized compensation expense associated with stock option awards of $362,000, $362,000 and $363,000 in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. This amount is included in operating or general and administrative expense as appropriate in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Stock Awards:

The Company granted 103,500 and 84,100 shares of restricted stock to employees in fiscal 2012 and 2010, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock awards in fiscal 2012 and 2010 was $23.55 and $23.33, respectively. The fair value of the restricted stock granted equals the market price on the grant date and vests after three years. There were no restricted stock grants in 2011.

A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock awards as of September 30, 2012 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, 2011		81,100	$	23.33
Granted		103,500	$	23.55
Vested		—	$	—
Forfeited		—	$	—

Nonvested restricted shares outstanding September 30, 2012		184,600	$	23.45

The Company’s tax benefit with regards to restricted stock awards is consistent with the tax election of the recipient of the award. No elections under IRC Section 83(b) have been made for the restricted stock awards granted by the Company in fiscal 2012. As a result, the compensation expense recorded for restricted stock resulted in a deferred tax asset for the Company equal to the tax effect of the amount of compensation expense recorded.

The Company recognized compensation expense related to restricted stock awards of $883,000, $1,123,000 and $1,035,000 in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. This amount is included in operating or general and administrative expense as appropriate in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of September 30, 2012, there was approximately $2,603,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock awards granted. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.32 years.

The Company granted common shares with immediate vesting to outside directors and employees in fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010:


	Number of Shares Granted		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
2012		7,234	$	33.64
2011		6,479	$	28.69
2010		8,340	$	22.11

The Company recognized expense of $244,000, $186,000 and $185,000 in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, as well as the related tax benefit associated with these awards.

- 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

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 50

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph 64, 65, A240

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 40

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5444-113901

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 14

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

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 93-6

-Paragraph 53

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans

8. 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 2012, 2011 and 2010, 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 2012, 2011 and 2010 were approximately $1,521,000, $1,366,000 and $1,270,000, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 158

-Paragraph 7, 21, 22

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)

-Number FAS88

-Paragraph 63

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)

-Number 03-2

-Paragraph 8

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-Number 87

-Paragraph 264

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 106

-Paragraph 518

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph b

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph a

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph h

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph q

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-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FAS106-2

-Paragraph 20, 21, 22

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 30

-Paragraph 26

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 8

-Subparagraph m

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

+ Details

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

10. Income Taxes

The Company recorded income tax expense in the current year of $5,403,000, as compared to income tax expense of $439,000 in 2011 and income tax benefit of $4,638,000 in 2010.

Income tax expense (benefit) from operations:


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012			2011			2010
Current federal	$	(10,000	)	$	(3,167,000	)	$	(7,342,000	)
Current state		500,000			238,000			240,000
Deferred federal		4,737,000			3,920,000			2,817,000
Deferred state		176,000			(552,000	)		(353,000	)

Total	$	5,403,000		$	439,000		$	(4,638,000	)

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


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012			2011			2010
Tax expense (benefit) computed at statutory rate of 35%	$	5,781,000		$	(982,000	)	$	(4,896,000	)
Change in valuation allowance		—			(19,000	)		(39,000	)
State income tax expense (benefit), net of federal tax		433,000			(284,000	)		(82,000	)
Transaction costs		(1,353,000	)		1,353,000			—
Other		542,000			371,000			379,000

Income tax expense (benefit)	$	5,403,000		$	439,000		$	(4,638,000	)

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


	September 30,
	2012			2011
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue	$	1,265,000		$	550,000
Restricted stock		579,000			258,000
Workers’ compensation		270,000			331,000
State tax net operating loss (NOL) carry forward		691,000			853,000
Federal tax NOL carry forward		12,776,000			13,625,000
Self-insurance		298,000			298,000
Canadian start-up costs		153,000			—
AMT credit carry forward		177,000			177,000
Other		210,000			262,000

Total deferred tax assets		16,419,000			16,354,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment		(42,172,000	)		(37,194,000	)

Total deferred tax liabilities		(42,172,000	)		(37,194,000	)

Net deferred tax liability	$	(25,753,000	)	$	(20,840,000	)

Current portion of net deferred tax asset/liability	$	1,925,000		$	1,236,000
Non-current portion of net deferred tax asset/liability		(27,678,000	)		(22,076,000	)

Total net deferred tax liability	$	(25,753,000	)	$	(20,840,000	)

At September 30, 2012, the Company had a gross NOL for U.S. federal income tax purposes of approximately $36,502,000. This NOL expires in 2031. The Company will carry forward the net federal NOL of approximately $12,776,000. The Company also had net state NOLs that will affect state taxes of approximately $691,000 at September 30, 2012. State NOLs will begin to expire in 2015. Carryback provisions are not allowed by all states, so the entire state NOLs give rise to a deferred tax asset. The Company believes, based on past levels of income, it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income in which to realize these deferred tax assets. As such, no valuation allowance was considered necessary related to the federal or state NOLs.

At September 30, 2011, the Company released all of the valuation allowance held at September 30, 2010 related to the Company’s deferred tax assets for capital loss carry forwards. The Company has no valuation allowances as of September 30, 2012.

The following presents a roll forward of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits:


	September 30,
	2012			2011
Balance at beginning of fiscal year	$	161,000		$	235,000
Expiration of statutes of limitations		(161,000	)		(74,000	)

Balance at end of fiscal year	$	—		$	161,000

As of September 30, 2012, the Company did not recognize any liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits. All of the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits lapsed in the statutes of limitations during fiscal 2012. The Company did not record any changes in prior year tax positions, current year tax positions or settlements with taxing authorities related to uncertain tax positions during fiscal 2012 or 2011.

The Company’s practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. In fiscal years 2012 and 2011, the Company’s net accrued interest and penalties decreased by approximately $98,000 and $11,000, respectively.

- 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

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 15

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 2: 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.(h))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 08

-Paragraph h

-Article 4

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

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 109

-Paragraph 136, 172

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 109

-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Income (loss) per Common Share

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Income (loss) per Common Share [Abstract]

Income (loss) per Common Share

11. Income (loss) per Common Share

Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) for the period by the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding during the period.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per common share.


	2012		2011			2010
Numerator:
Net income (loss) and numerator for basic and diluted income (loss) per common share — income available to common shareholders	$	11,113,000	$	(3,246,000	)	$	(9,352,000	)

Denominator:
Denominator for basic income (loss) per common share-weighted average common shares		7,841,722		7,809,561			7,777,404
Effect of dilutive securities-employee stock options and restricted stock grants		89,871		—			—

Denominator for diluted income (loss) per common share-adjusted weighted average common shares and assumed conversions		7,931,593		7,809,561			7,777,404

Basic income (loss) per common share	$	1.42	$	(0.42	)	$	(1.20	)

Diluted income (loss) per common share	$	1.40	$	(0.42	)	$	(1.20	)

The Company had a net loss in 2011 and 2010; therefore the denominator for diluted loss per common share is the same as the denominator for basic loss per common share for these periods.

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


	2012		2011		2010
Stock options		—		140,487		151,710
Restricted stock		46,273		105,655		54,397

Total		46,273		246,142		206,107

- Definition

The entire disclosure for earnings per share.

+ References+ Details

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

13. 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 domestic office space in Midland, Houston, Denver, Oklahoma City and Pittsburgh and foreign office space in Calgary, Canada.

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, 2012.


	Payments Due by Period (in 000’s)
	Total		Within 1 Year		1-2 Years		3-5 Years		After 5 Years
Operating lease obligations (office space)	$	3,288	$	865	$	1,720	$	703	$	—

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 $805,000, $717,000 and $619,000 for fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

As of November 30, 2012, the Company had unused letters of credit totaling approximately $1,580,000. 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 November 30, 2012 are associated with workers’ compensation claims outstanding prior to October 1, 2011.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)

-Number 14

-Paragraph 3

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

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-Paragraph 1

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 5

-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Rights Agreement

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Rights Agreement [Abstract]

Rights Agreement

14. 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.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

15. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards,” to provide a consistent definition of fair value and ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances disclosure requirements, particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. The enhanced disclosures and fair value measurement principles were effective for the Company as of January 1, 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income,” to require an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. This update does not change what items are reported in other comprehensive income or the requirement to report reclassification of items from other comprehensive income to net income. However, in December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05,” that deferred the specific requirement within ASU 2011-05 to present on the face of the financial statements items that are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income separately with their respective components of net income and other comprehensive net income. Entities should continue to report reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income using guidance in effect before ASU 2011-05 was issued. ASU 2011-05 will be effective for the Company in its first quarter of fiscal 2013, though earlier adoption is permitted. The update will be applied retrospectively upon adoption, and the Company believes the adoption will not have a material effect on its 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

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 270

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 13

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Accounting Change

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

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

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-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 Change in Accounting Principle

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

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-Glossary Retrospective Application

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

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 01

-Paragraph b

-Subparagraph 6

-Article 10

+ Details

Concentrations of Credit Risk

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Concentrations of Credit Risk [Abstract]

Concentrations of Credit Risk

16. 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, 2012 and 2011, the Company had deposits with domestic 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 invests funds overnight under a repurchase agreement with its bank which is collateralized by securities of the United States Federal agencies. The Company generally invests primarily in short-term U.S. Treasury Securities. The Company believes its investments are of high credit quality.

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. For the year ended September 30, 2012, sales to the Company’s largest client represented 21% of both its revenues and revenues net of third-party charges as compared to 27% and 18%, respectively, at September 30, 2011. The remaining balance of the Company’s fiscal 2012 revenues was derived from varied clients and none represented 10% or more of its fiscal 2012 revenues.

- 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

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 107

-Paragraph 15A

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 275

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 94-6

-Paragraph 21, 22, 24

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

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+ Details

Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]

Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited)

18. Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited)


	Quarter Ended
	December 31			March 31			June 30		September 30
Fiscal 2011:
Operating revenues	$	72,653,000		$	78,337,000		$	98,033,000	$	84,256,000
(Loss) income from operations	$	(2,817,000	)	$	(6,545,000	)	$	898,000	$	5,138,000
Net (loss) income	$	(1,667,000	)	$	(4,857,000	)	$	334,000	$	2,944,000
Basic (loss) income per common share	$	(0.21	)	$	(0.62	)	$	0.04	$	0.38
Diluted (loss) income per common share	$	(0.21	)	$	(0.62	)	$	0.04	$	0.37
Fiscal 2012:
Operating revenues	$	92,382,000		$	85,546,000		$	68,348,000	$	72,998,000
Income from operations	$	3,226,000		$	9,446,000		$	1,798,000	$	2,131,000
Net income	$	3,231,000		$	5,589,000		$	1,141,000	$	1,152,000
Basic income per common share	$	0.41		$	0.71		$	0.15	$	0.15
Diluted income per common share	$	0.41		$	0.70		$	0.14	$	0.15

Basic income per share and diluted income per share are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of quarterly basic and diluted per share information may not equal the annual basic and diluted earnings per share.

- 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

Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts


	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses			Deductions		Balance at End of Period
Allowance for doubtful accounts*:
Fiscal Year:
2012	$	155,000	$	327,000		$	232,000	$	250,000
2011		639,000		231,000			715,000		155,000
2010		533,000		256,000			150,000		639,000
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets:
Fiscal Year:
2012	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—
2011		19,000		(19,000	)		—		—
2010		58,000		(39,000	)		—		19,000

*	Deductions related to allowance for doubtful accounts represent amounts that have been deemed uncollectible and written off by the Company.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Sep. 30, 2012
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Nature of Operations	*Organization and Nature of Operations* 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.
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 in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September 30, 2012, 2011 or 2010.
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 depreciated using the straight-line method over the initial lease term.
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 customer 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, customers 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. When it becomes evident that the estimates of total costs to be incurred on a contract will exceed the total estimates of revenue to be earned, an estimated contract loss is recognized in the period in which the loss is identifiable.
Stock-Based Compensation	*Stock-Based Compensation* The Company measures all employee stock-based compensation awards, which include stock options and restricted stock, 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 on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the related stock options or restricted stock awards.
Tax Accounting	*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.
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, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Summary of property plant and equipment


	September 30,
	2012			2011			Useful Lives
Land, building and other	$	8,641,000		$	7,532,000			3 to 40 years
Recording equipment		206,642,000			199,347,000			5 to 10 years
Line clearing equipment		913,000			—			5 years
Vibrator energy sources		76,813,000			65,175,000			5 to 15 years
Vehicles		32,429,000			30,337,000			1.5 to 10 years
Other(a)		592,000			256,000			—

		326,030,000			302,647,000
Less accumulated depreciation		(164,634,000	)		(156,106,000	)

Net property, plant and equipment	$	161,396,000		$	146,541,000

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

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the useful life and salvage value of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software.

+ References+ Details

Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]

Summary of accounts receivable


	September 30,
	2012			2011
Trade and accrued trade receivables	$	53,268,000		$	82,676,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts		(250,000	)		(155,000	)
Accrued receivable for workers’ compensation stop loss policy		623,000			3,852,000
Other		78,000			343,000

Total accounts receivable	$	53,719,000		$	86,716,000

Summary of prepaid expenses and other assets


	September 30,
	2012		2011
Prepaid expenses and other assets	$	762,000	$	943,000
Income tax receivable		—		3,311,000

Total prepaid expenses and other assets	$	762,000	$	4,254,000

Summary of other current liabilities


	September 30,
	2012		2011
Accrued self-insurance reserves	$	2,181,000	$	5,567,000
Income and franchise taxes payable		1,096,000		897,000
Other accrued expenses and current liabilities		3,148,000		2,766,000

Total other current liabilities	$	6,425,000	$	9,230,000

Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Debt [Abstract]

Summary of notes payable and obligations under capital leases


	September 30, 2012			September 30, 2011
Term Note	$	10,281,000		$	15,571,000
Second Term Note		8,821,000			—
Revolving line of credit		—			—
Obligations under capital leases		1,208,000			—

	$	20,310,000		$	15,571,000
Less current maturities of notes payable and obligations under capital leases		(9,131,000	)		(5,290,000	)

	$	11,179,000		$	10,281,000

Aggregate maturities of the notes payable and obligations under capital leases


October 2012 – September 2013	$	9,131,0000
October 2013 – September 2014		8,530,000
October 2014 – September 2015		2,545,000
October 2015 – September 2016		73,000
October 2016 – September 2017		31,000

	$	20,310,000

- 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 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 55

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

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

Reference 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 7: 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 8: 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 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 10: 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

Reference 11: 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=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Summary of employee stock options activity


	Number of Optioned Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years		Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000)
Balance as of September 30, 2011		135,300		$	18.91
Granted		—			—
Exercised		(9,750	)		18.91			$	173
Forfeited		—			—

Balance as of September 30, 2012		125,550		$	18.91		6.17	$	797

Exercisable as of September 30, 2012		87,800		$	18.91		6.17	$	558

Summary of nonvested stock option awards


	Number of Nonvested Share Awards			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested option awards outstanding September 30, 2011		75,500		$	9.59
Granted		—			—
Vested		(37,750	)		9.59
Forfeited		—			—

Nonvested option awards outstanding September 30, 2012		37,750		$	9.59

Summary of nonvested restricted stock awards


	Number of Restricted Share Awards		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested restricted shares outstanding September 30, 2011		81,100	$	23.33
Granted		103,500	$	23.55
Vested		—	$	—
Forfeited		—	$	—

Nonvested restricted shares outstanding September 30, 2012		184,600	$	23.45

Company granted common shares with immediate vesting to outside directors and employees


	Number of Shares Granted		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
2012		7,234	$	33.64
2011		6,479	$	28.69
2010		8,340	$	22.11

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Summary of income tax expense (benefit) from operations


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012			2011			2010
Current federal	$	(10,000	)	$	(3,167,000	)	$	(7,342,000	)
Current state		500,000			238,000			240,000
Deferred federal		4,737,000			3,920,000			2,817,000
Deferred state		176,000			(552,000	)		(353,000	)

Total	$	5,403,000		$	439,000		$	(4,638,000	)

Summary of income tax provision differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012			2011			2010
Tax expense (benefit) computed at statutory rate of 35%	$	5,781,000		$	(982,000	)	$	(4,896,000	)
Change in valuation allowance		—			(19,000	)		(39,000	)
State income tax expense (benefit), net of federal tax		433,000			(284,000	)		(82,000	)
Transaction costs		(1,353,000	)		1,353,000			—
Other		542,000			371,000			379,000

Income tax expense (benefit)	$	5,403,000		$	439,000		$	(4,638,000	)

Components of the Company's net deferred tax liability


	September 30,
	2012			2011
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue	$	1,265,000		$	550,000
Restricted stock		579,000			258,000
Workers’ compensation		270,000			331,000
State tax net operating loss (NOL) carry forward		691,000			853,000
Federal tax NOL carry forward		12,776,000			13,625,000
Self-insurance		298,000			298,000
Canadian start-up costs		153,000			—
AMT credit carry forward		177,000			177,000
Other		210,000			262,000

Total deferred tax assets		16,419,000			16,354,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment		(42,172,000	)		(37,194,000	)

Total deferred tax liabilities		(42,172,000	)		(37,194,000	)

Net deferred tax liability	$	(25,753,000	)	$	(20,840,000	)

Current portion of net deferred tax asset/liability	$	1,925,000		$	1,236,000
Non-current portion of net deferred tax asset/liability		(27,678,000	)		(22,076,000	)

Total net deferred tax liability	$	(25,753,000	)	$	(20,840,000	)

Roll forward of the Company's unrecognized tax benefits


	September 30,
	2012			2011
Balance at beginning of fiscal year	$	161,000		$	235,000
Expiration of statutes of limitations		(161,000	)		(74,000	)

Balance at end of fiscal year	$	—		$	161,000

Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Income (loss) per Common Share [Abstract]

Computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per common share


	2012		2011			2010
Numerator:
Net income (loss) and numerator for basic and diluted income (loss) per common share — income available to common shareholders	$	11,113,000	$	(3,246,000	)	$	(9,352,000	)

Denominator:
Denominator for basic income (loss) per common share-weighted average common shares		7,841,722		7,809,561			7,777,404
Effect of dilutive securities-employee stock options and restricted stock grants		89,871		—			—

Denominator for diluted income (loss) per common share-adjusted weighted average common shares and assumed conversions		7,931,593		7,809,561			7,777,404

Basic income (loss) per common share	$	1.42	$	(0.42	)	$	(1.20	)

Diluted income (loss) per common share	$	1.40	$	(0.42	)	$	(1.20	)

Weighted average numbers of certain securities excluded from the calculation of diluted loss or income per common share


	2012		2011		2010
Stock options		—		140,487		151,710
Restricted stock		46,273		105,655		54,397

Total		46,273		246,142		206,107

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Company's contractual obligations


	Payments Due by Period (in 000’s)
	Total		Within 1 Year		1-2 Years		3-5 Years		After 5 Years
Operating lease obligations (office space)	$	3,288	$	865	$	1,720	$	703	$	—

Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]

Select quarterly consolidated financial data


	Quarter Ended
	December 31			March 31			June 30		September 30
Fiscal 2011:
Operating revenues	$	72,653,000		$	78,337,000		$	98,033,000	$	84,256,000
(Loss) income from operations	$	(2,817,000	)	$	(6,545,000	)	$	898,000	$	5,138,000
Net (loss) income	$	(1,667,000	)	$	(4,857,000	)	$	334,000	$	2,944,000
Basic (loss) income per common share	$	(0.21	)	$	(0.62	)	$	0.04	$	0.38
Diluted (loss) income per common share	$	(0.21	)	$	(0.62	)	$	0.04	$	0.37
Fiscal 2012:
Operating revenues	$	92,382,000		$	85,546,000		$	68,348,000	$	72,998,000
Income from operations	$	3,226,000		$	9,446,000		$	1,798,000	$	2,131,000
Net income	$	3,231,000		$	5,589,000		$	1,141,000	$	1,152,000
Basic income per common share	$	0.41		$	0.71		$	0.15	$	0.15
Diluted income per common share	$	0.41		$	0.70		$	0.14	$	0.15

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Impairment charges	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

- Definition

The charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of all assets from their carrying value to their fair value.

+ References+ Details

Short-Term Investments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Short-Term Investments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012 Certificate_of_deposit	Sep. 30, 2011
Short-Term Investments (Textual) [Abstract]
Maturity Period of certificates of deposit	3 months
Maturity Period of certificates of deposit	1 year
Number of certificates of deposit limited to banking institution	1
Investments exceeding FDIC limit	$ 0
Short Term Investment, Outstanding		$ 0

Property Plant And Equipment (Details) (USD $)					12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
Property Plant And Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 Land and Building [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Land and Building [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Land and Building [Member] Maximum [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Land and Building [Member] Minimum [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Recording equipment [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Recording equipment [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Recording equipment [Member] Maximum [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Recording equipment [Member] Minimum [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Line clearing equipment [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Line clearing equipment [Member] Minimum [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Vibrator Energy Sources [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Vibrator Energy Sources [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Vibrator Energy Sources [Member] Maximum [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Vibrator Energy Sources [Member] Minimum [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Vehicles [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Vehicles [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Vehicles [Member] Maximum [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Vehicles [Member] Minimum [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Other [member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Other [member]
Summary of property plant and equipment
Useful Lives					40 years	3 years			10 years	5 years		5 years			15 years	5 years			10 years	1 year 6 months
Property, plant and equipment	$ 326,030,000	$ 302,647,000	$ 8,641,000	$ 7,532,000			$ 206,642,000	$ 199,347,000			$ 913,000		$ 76,813,000	$ 65,175,000			$ 32,429,000	$ 30,337,000			$ 592,000	$ 256,000
Less accumulated depreciation	(164,634,000)	(156,106,000)
Net property, plant and equipment	$ 161,396,000	$ 146,541,000

- Definition

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Gross amount of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Amount, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

+ References+ Details

Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet Information (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Summary of accounts receivable
Trade and accrued trade receivables	$ 53,268,000	$ 82,676,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(250,000)	(155,000)
Accrued receivable for workers compensation stop loss policy	623,000	3,852,000
Other	78,000	343,000
Total accounts receivable	53,719,000	86,716,000
Summary of prepaid expenses and other assets
Prepaid expenses and other assets	762,000	943,000
Income tax receivable		3,311,000
Total prepaid expenses and other assets	762,000	4,254,000
Summary of other current liabilities
Accrued self insurance reserves	2,181,000	5,567,000
Income and franchise taxes payable	1,096,000	897,000
Other accrued expenses and current liabilities	3,148,000	2,766,000
Total other current liabilities	$ 6,425,000	$ 9,230,000

Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 Term Note [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Term Note [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Second Term Note [Member]	May 11, 2012 Second Term Note [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Obligations under capital leases [Member]
Summary of notes payable and obligations under capital leases
Second Term Note	$ 20,000,000					$ 15,000,000
Total	20,310,000	15,571,000	10,281,000	15,571,000	8,821,000		1,208,000
Current maturities of notes payable and obligations under capital leases	(9,131,000)	(5,290,000)
Notes payable and obligations under capital leases less current maturities	$ 11,179,000	$ 10,281,000

Debt (Details 1) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012
Aggregate maturities of the notes payable and obligations under capital leases
October 2012 September 2013	$ 9,131,000
October 2013 September 2014	8,530,000
October 2014 September2015	2,545,000
October 2015 September 2016	73,000
October 2016 September 2017	31,000
Total	$ 20,310,000

Debt (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
Debt (Details Textual) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012 Vehicles Installments	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 Term Note [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Term Note [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Second Term Note [Member]	Jul. 05, 2012 Second Term Note [Member]	May 11, 2012 Second Term Note [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Option One [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Option Two [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Term Note repayable over a period					36 months
Term Note, interest rate description										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%
Maturity of term loans	May 02, 2015				Jun. 30, 2014
Borrowing, repaying and reborrowing capacity	$ 20,000,000	$ 20,000,000							$ 15,000,000
Fund obtained Under new term loan note						16,427,000		9,346,000
Debt (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Borrowing, repaying and reborrowing capacity	20,000,000	20,000,000							15,000,000
Line of credit facility agreement effective date		Jun. 02, 2011
Line of credit facility agreement expiry date		Jun. 02, 2013
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%
Term Note, frequency of interest payment		monthly
Line of credit facility utilized		0	0
Line of credit facility amendment date				Jun. 30, 2011
Monthly term note repayment amount		$ 485,444
Covenant compliance of line of credit facility		The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of September 30, 2012 and December 5, 2012
No of installments in which capital leases are payable, minimum		36
No of installments in which capital leases are payable, maximum		60
Capital lease obligations maturity period		December 2014 and February 2017
No of vehicles leased under capital leases		42

Stock Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Stock Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Summary of employee stock options activity
Balance as of September 30, 2011, Number of Optioned Shares	135,300
Granted, Number of Optioned Shares		0	0
Exercised, Number of Optioned Shares	(9,750)
Forfeited, Number of Optioned Shares
Balance as of September 30, 2012, Number of Optioned Shares	125,550	135,300
Exercisable as of September 30, 2012, Number of Optioned Shares	87,800
Balance as of September 30, 2011, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 18.91
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 18.91
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Balance as of September 30, 2012, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 18.91	$ 18.91
Exercisable as of September 30, 2012, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 18.91
Balance as of September 30, 2012, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years	6 years 2 months 1 day
Exercisable as of September 30, 2012, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years	6 years 2 months 1 day
Exercised, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 173,000	$ 318,000	$ 1,000
Balance as of September 30, 2012, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	797,000
Exercisable as of September 30, 2012, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 558,000

Stock Based Compensation (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Stock Based Compensation (Details 1) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Summary of nonvested stock option awards
Nonvested option awards outstanding September 30, 2011, Number of Shares	75,500
Nonvested option awards outstanding September 30, 2011, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 9.59
Granted, Number of Nonvested Share Awards		0	0
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 0.00
Vested, Number of Nonvested Share Awards	(37,750)
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 9.59
Forfeited, Number of Nonvested Share Awards
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested option awards outstanding September 30, 2012, Number of Shares	37,750	75,500
Nonvested option awards outstanding September 30, 2012, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 9.59	$ 9.59

Stock Based Compensation (Details 2) (USD $)			12 Months Ended
Stock Based Compensation (Details 2) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2012 Restricted stock [Member]
Summary of nonvested restricted stock awards
Nonvested option awards outstanding September 30, 2011, Number of Shares			81,100
Nonvested Options awards outstanding September 30, 2011, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 23.55	$ 23.33	$ 23.33
Granted, Number of shares			103,500
Vested , Number of Shares
Forfeited, Number of Shares
Granted , Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			$ 23.55
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested option awards outstanding September 30, 2012, Number of Shares			184,600
Nonvested Options awards outstanding September 30, 2012, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 23.55	$ 23.33	$ 23.45

- Definition

The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The number of non-vested equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The weighted average fair value of nonvested awards on equity-based plans excluding option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan) for which the employer is contingently obligated to issue equity instruments or transfer assets to an employee who has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to proceeds from the sale of the award or underlying shares or units.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The weighted average fair value as of grant date pertaining to an equity-based award plan other than a stock (or unit) option plan for which the grantee gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement.

+ References+ Details

Stock Based Compensation (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Stock Based Compensation (Details 3) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012
2012 [Member]
Company granted common shares with immediate vesting to outside directors and employees
Number of Nonvested Share Awards	7,234
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 33.64
2011 [Member]
Company granted common shares with immediate vesting to outside directors and employees
Number of Nonvested Share Awards	6,479
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 28.69
2010 [Member]
Company granted common shares with immediate vesting to outside directors and employees
Number of Nonvested Share Awards	8,340
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 22.11

- Definition

+ References+ Details

Stock Based Compensation (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Stock Based Compensation (Details Textual) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Stock-based compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Plan provides shares of authorized but unissued common stock		750,000
Compensation expense associated with stock option awards		$ 244,000	$ 186,000	$ 185,000
Granted, Number of Optioned Shares			0	0
Intrinsic value of options exercised		173,000	318,000	1,000
Fair value of options vested		362,000	362,000	364,000
Outstanding options, expiration date		Dec. 30, 2018
Outstanding options, exercise price		$ 18.91	$ 18.91
Excess tax benefit from disqualifying dispositions		0	0	0
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock option awards		61,000
Weighted average period		2 years 3 months 26 days
Cash received from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements		184,000	297,000	4,000
Restricted stock grants	0	103,500		84,100
Grant date fair value of the restricted stock awards		$ 23.55		$ 23.33
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 0.00
Stock options [Member]
Stock-based compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Compensation expense associated with stock option awards		362,000	362,000	363,000
Weighted average period		2 months 1 day
Restricted stock [Member]
Stock-based compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Compensation expense associated with stock option awards		883,000	1,123,000	1,035,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock option awards		$ 2,603,000
Grant date fair value of the restricted stock awards		$ 23.45	$ 23.33

Employee Benefits Plan (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefits Plan (Details Textual) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Employee Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Employee matching contribution	$ 1,521,000	$ 1,366,000	$ 1,270,000
Maximum percentage of participant to gross salary	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Employer's matching contribution percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Summary of Income tax expense (benefit) from operations
Current federal	$ (10,000)	$ (3,167,000)	$ (7,342,000)
Current state	500,000	238,000	240,000
Deferred federal	4,737,000	3,920,000	2,817,000
Deferred state	176,000	(552,000)	(353,000)
Total	$ 5,403,000	$ 439,000	$ (4,638,000)

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted federal tax law to the domestic taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

+ References

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

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-SubTopic 10

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509736

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 6

-Section I

-Paragraph Question 1-7

+ Details

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted state and local tax law to relevant amounts of taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

+ References

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

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+ Details

- Definition

The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) during the period in the entity's domestic deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the federally enacted tax law.

+ References

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

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-Paragraph 1

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510177

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+ Details

- Definition

The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) in the entity's state and local deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the applicable enacted tax laws.

+ References

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

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+ Details

- Definition

The sum of the current income tax expense or benefit and the deferred income tax expense or benefit pertaining to pretax Income or Loss from continuing operations; income tax expense or benefit may include interest and penalties on tax uncertainties based on the entity's accounting policy.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)

-Number 48

-Paragraph 15, 16, 19

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Summary of income tax provision differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate
Tax expense (benefit) computed at statutory rate of 35%	$ 5,781,000	$ (982,000)	$ (4,896,000)
Change in valuation allowance		(19,000)	(39,000)
State income tax expense (benefit), net of federal tax	433,000	(284,000)	(82,000)
Transaction costs	(1,353,000)	1,353,000
Other	542,000	371,000	379,000
Total	$ 5,403,000	$ 439,000	$ (4,638,000)

- Definition

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

The amount of income tax expense or benefit for the period computed by applying the domestic federal statutory tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The component of income tax expense representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) which are classified as "income taxes" as determined by applying the provisions of enacted tax law to other than the taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations for the period. Items affecting income taxes and required to be disclosed, but not included elsewhere, would also be designated as "Other".

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The amount of the change in the period in the valuation allowance for a specified deferred tax asset.

+ References+ Details

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Deferred tax assets
Deferred revenue	$ 1,265,000	$ 550,000
Restricted Stock	579,000	258,000
Workers compensation	270,000	331,000
State tax net operating loss (NOL) carry forward	691,000	853,000
Federal tax NOL carry forward	12,776,000	13,625,000
Self-insurance	298,000	298,000
Canadian start-up costs	153,000
AMT credit carry forward	177,000	177,000
Other	210,000	262,000
Total deferred tax assets	16,419,000	16,354,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(42,172,000)	(37,194,000)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(42,172,000)	(37,194,000)
Current portion of net deferred tax asset/liability	1,925,000	1,236,000
Non-current portion of net deferred tax asset/liability	(27,678,000)	(22,076,000)
Total net deferred tax liability	$ 25,753,000	$ 20,840,000

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Roll forward of the company's unrecognized tax benefit
Balance at beginning of fiscal year	$ 161,000	$ 235,000
Expiration of statutes of limitations	(161,000)	(74,000)
Balance at end of fiscal year		$ 161,000

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Income tax expense	$ 5,403,000	$ 439,000	$ (4,638,000)
Federal tax NOL carry forward	12,776,000	13,625,000
State tax net operating loss (NOL) carry forward	691,000	853,000
Valuation allowance	0	0
Reduction in accrued interest and penalties	98,000	11,000
Gross federal tax NOL carry forward	$ 36,502,000
NOL expires for State		2015
NOL expires for US Federal	2031
Tax (benefit) expense computed at statutory rate	35.00%

Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
NUMERATOR:
Net income	$ 1,152,000	$ 1,141,000	$ 5,589,000	$ 3,231,000	$ 2,944,000	$ 334,000	$ (4,857,000)	$ (1,667,000)	$ 11,113,000	$ (3,246,000)	$ (9,352,000)
DENOMINATOR:
Denominator for basic income (loss) per common share-weighted average common shares									7,841,722	7,809,561	7,777,404
Effect of dilutive securities-employee stock options and restricted stock grants									89,871
Denominator for diluted income (loss) per common share-adjusted weighted average common shares and assumed conversions									7,931,593	7,809,561	7,777,404
Basic income (loss) per common share	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.71	$ 0.41	$ 0.38	$ 0.04	$ (0.62)	$ (0.21)	$ 1.42	$ (0.42)	$ (1.20)
Diluted income (loss) per common share	$ 0.15	$ 0.14	$ 0.70	$ 0.41	$ 0.37	$ 0.04	$ (0.62)	$ (0.21)	$ 1.40	$ (0.42)	$ (1.20)

- Definition

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

+ References

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

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-Section 03

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+ 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

- Definition

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

+ References

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

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-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Net Income

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 38

-Subparagraph a

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-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph A7

-Appendix A

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 38

-Subparagraph d

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)

-Number 87-21

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

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-Number 07-4

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

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

-Paragraph 171

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

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-Section 45

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528421

+ Details

Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Details 1)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Weighted average numbers of certain securities excluded from the calculation of diluted (loss) income per common share
Weighted average numbers of securities	46,273	246,142	206,107
Stock options [Member]
Weighted average numbers of certain securities excluded from the calculation of diluted (loss) income per common share
Weighted average numbers of securities		140,487	151,710
Restricted stock [Member]
Weighted average numbers of certain securities excluded from the calculation of diluted (loss) income per common share
Weighted average numbers of securities	46,273	105,655	54,397

- 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

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Antidilution

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505113

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Diluted Earnings Per Share

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510752

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Contingent Stock Agreement

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508534

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

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

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

-Paragraph 40

-Subparagraph c

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

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

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-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)

-Number 07-4

-Paragraph 4

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

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

-Paragraph 171

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Major Customers (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
Major Customers (Details Textual)	Sep. 30, 2012 Segment
Major Customers (Textual) [Abstract]
Sales to customers in percentage	10.00%
Number of business segment	1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012
Company's contractual obligations
Operating lease obligations (office space), Within 1 Year	$ 865
Operating lease obligations (office space), 1-2 Years	1,720
Operating lease obligations (office space), 3-5 Years	703
Operating lease obligations (office space), After 5 Years
Operating lease obligations (office space), Total	$ 3,288

- Definition

Amount of required minimum rental payments for leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year.

+ References+ Details

Rights Agreement (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Rights Agreement (Details Textual) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 23, 2009 Right
Rights Agreement (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Rights granted against each share outstanding		1
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, par value		$ 1.00
Preferred Stock, purchase price	$ 130.00
Right of redemption	0.01
Distribution date following public announcement	10 days
Distribution date following commencement of tender	10 days
Common stock acquisition beneficial ownership recognized percentage	15.00%
Conversion ratio of common stock	$ 1.00
Common Class A [Member]
Rights Agreement (Textual) [Abstract]
Fractional Share		0.01
Flip Over Event [Member]
Rights Agreement (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of assets cash flow or earning power	50.00%
Flip In Event [Member]
Rights Agreement (Textual) [Abstract]
After flip- in event recognized percentage	50.00%

Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Select quarterly consolidated financial data
Operating revenues	$ 72,998,000	$ 68,348,000	$ 85,546,000	$ 92,382,000	$ 84,256,000	$ 98,033,000	$ 78,337,000	$ 72,653,000	$ 319,274,000	$ 333,279,000	$ 205,272,000
(Loss) income from operations	2,131,000	1,798,000	9,446,000	3,226,000	5,138,000	898,000	(6,545,000)	(2,817,000)	16,601,000	(3,326,000)	(14,573,000)
Net income (loss)	$ 1,152,000	$ 1,141,000	$ 5,589,000	$ 3,231,000	$ 2,944,000	$ 334,000	$ (4,857,000)	$ (1,667,000)	$ 11,113,000	$ (3,246,000)	$ (9,352,000)
Basic (loss) income per common share	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.71	$ 0.41	$ 0.38	$ 0.04	$ (0.62)	$ (0.21)	$ 1.42	$ (0.42)	$ (1.20)
Diluted (loss) income per common share	$ 0.15	$ 0.14	$ 0.70	$ 0.41	$ 0.37	$ 0.04	$ (0.62)	$ (0.21)	$ 1.40	$ (0.42)	$ (1.20)

- 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

Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2010

Allowance for doubtful accounts [Member]

Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Balance at Beginning of period

$ 155,000

^[1]

$ 639,000

^[1]

$ 533,000

^[1]

Charged to Costs and Expenses

327,000

^[1]

231,000

^[1]

256,000

^[1]

Deductions

232,000

^[1]

715,000

^[1]

150,000

^[1]

Balance at End of period

250,000

^[1]

155,000

^[1]

639,000

^[1]

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets [Member]

Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Balance at Beginning of period

19,000

58,000

Charged to Costs and Expenses

(19,000)

(39,000)

Deductions

Balance at End of period

$ 19,000

[1]	Deductions related to allowance for doubtful accounts represent amounts that have been deemed uncollectible and written off by the Company.

Advertising costs (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Advertising costs (Details Textual) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Advertising Costs (Textual) [Abstract]
Total advertising costs	$ 340,000	$ 370,000	$ 256,000

Major Customers (Details)	12 Months Ended
Major Customers (Details)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Summary of percentage of operating revenues from major customers
Sales Percentage of Operating Revenue to Major Customers	21.00%	27.00%
Customer One [Member]
Summary of percentage of operating revenues from major customers
Sales Percentage of Operating Revenue to Major Customers	21.00%	27.00%	32.00%
Customer Two [Member]
Summary of percentage of operating revenues from major customers
Sales Percentage of Operating Revenue to Major Customers		24.00%

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Nov. 30, 2012 Letter of credit [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Unused letters of credit, total				$ 1,580,000
Commitments and Contingencies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Rental expense under operating leases with initial terms exceeding	$ 805,000	$ 717,000	$ 619,000

Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details Textual)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Concentrations of Credit Risk [Abstract]
Sales revenue	21.00%	27.00%
Revenues net, Percentage	21.00%	18.00%
Revenue received from other than major clients	10.00%