Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Basis of Presentation In the opinion of management, the unaudited accompanying condensed financial statements, including balance sheets and related interim statements of comprehensive loss, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity, include all adjustments, consisting primarily of normal recurring items, which are necessary for their fair presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Examples include estimates of loss contingencies, product life cycles and inventory obsolescence, bad debts, sales returns, share-based compensation, forfeiture rates, the potential outcome of future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns, and determining when investment impairments are other-than-temporary. Actual results and outcomes may differ from management’s estimates and assumptions. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with information included in the Qualstar Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on September 21, 2012.
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Risks and Uncertainties We are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may significantly impact our future operating results. These risks and uncertainties are discussed under Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” included in this Form 10-Q. As our interim description of risks and uncertainties only includes any material changes to our annual description, we refer you to our risk factors previously disclosed in Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, as filed with the SEC.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, title and risk of loss have passed, delivery has occurred or the services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured. Title and risk of loss generally pass to our customers upon shipment. In limited circumstances where either title or risk of loss pass upon destination or acceptance or when collection is not reasonably assured, we defer revenue recognition until such events occur. Revenue for established products that have previously satisfied a customer’s acceptance requirements and provide for full payment tied to shipment is generally recognized upon shipment and passage of title. In limited cases where a prior history of customer acceptance cannot be demonstrated or sales where customer payment dates are not determinable or when collection is not reasonably assured, revenue is deferred until customer acceptance occurs or payment has been received. On the limited shipments where sales are not recognized, gross profit is generally recorded as deferred profit in our consolidated balance sheet representing the difference between the receivable recorded and the inventory shipped. In January 2013, the third party service contract provider changed the terms of the agreement with the Company that triggered a change in revenue recognition policy for contract services. The terms of the agreement changed from coverage over the customer’s entire contractual service period to a fee per incident model. As a result, beginning in the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the Company changed its revenue recognition policy regarding the treatment of service revenue received from customers and serviced by the third party service provider from net to gross recording. Revenues for contract services are now deferred at the beginning of the service term and amortized ratably over the life of the contract. Expenses incurred related to fulfilling the service contract are expensed when incurred. This change in revenue recognition is recognized prospectively. As a result of this change in accounting principle, the Company recorded a one-time, non-cash increase to deferred revenues of approximately $454,000 with an equal offset to revenues and net income. Deferred revenue is shown separately in the balance sheet, and deferred profit is included in other accrued liabilities in the balance sheet. At March 31, 2013, we had deferred revenue of approximately $610,000, and deferred profit of approximately $28,000. At June 30, 2012, we had deferred revenue of approximately $156,000 and no deferred profit.
Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Marketable Securities Marketable securities consist primarily of high-quality U.S. corporate securities, U.S. federal government debt securities, corporate and municipal bonds, collateralized mortgage obligations and asset backed securities. Our marketable securities portfolio consists of short-term securities with original maturities of greater than three months from the date of purchase and remaining maturities of less than one year and long-term securities with original maturities of greater than one year and less than five years. Marketable securities are classified as “available-for-sale” and are recorded at fair value using the specific identification method; unrealized gains and losses are reflected in other comprehensive income until realized; realized gains and losses are included in earnings when the underlying securities are sold and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold. If the credit ratings of the security issuers deteriorate or if market conditions deteriorate, we may be required to reduce the value of our investments through an impairment charge and reflect them as long-term investments.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value of Financial Instruments We measure fair value on all financial assets and liabilities and nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least quarterly). See “Note 5 – Fair Value Measurements.”
Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on an assessment of the collectability of specific accounts and the overall condition of accounts receivable. In evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts, we analyze specific trade receivables, historical bad debts, customer credits, customer credit-worthiness and changes in customers’ payment terms and patterns. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make additional payments, then we may need to make additional allowances. Likewise, if we determine that we could realize more of our receivables in the future than previously estimated, we would adjust the allowance to increase income in the period we made this determination.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventory Valuation We record inventories at the lower of cost or market value. We assess the value of our inventories periodically based upon numerous factors including expected product or material demand, current market conditions, technological obsolescence, current cost and net realizable value. If necessary, we write down our inventory for estimated obsolescence, potential shrinkage, or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If technology changes more rapidly than expected, or market conditions become less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.
Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Warranty Obligations We provide for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. We engage in extensive product quality programs and processes, including active monitoring and evaluation of product failure rates, material usage and estimation of service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. However, should actual product failure rates, material usage, or service delivery costs differ from our estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required. Historically our warranty costs have not been significant.
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Legal and Other Contingencies The outcomes of legal proceedings and claims brought against us are subject to significant uncertainty. An estimated loss from a loss contingency such as a legal proceeding or claim is accrued by a charge to income if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. When legal costs that the entity expects to incur in defending itself in connection with a loss contingency accrual are expected to be material, the loss should factor in all costs and, if the legal costs are reasonably estimable, they should be accrued in accordance with ASC 450, regardless of whether a liability can be estimated for the contingency itself. Disclosure of a contingency is required if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred. Changes in these factors could materially impact our financial statements. We have accrued $123,000 for such contingencies.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Share-Based Compensation Share-based compensation is accounted for in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation.” We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine fair value of the award at the date of grant and recognize compensation expense over the vesting period. The inputs we use for the model require the use of judgment, estimates and assumptions regarding the expected volatility of the stock, the expected term the average employee will hold the option prior to the date of exercise, expected future dividends, and the amount of share-based awards that are expected to be forfeited. Changes in these inputs and assumptions could occur and actual results could differ from these estimates, and our results of operations could be materially impacted.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounting for Income Taxes We estimate our tax liability based on current tax laws in the statutory jurisdictions in which we operate in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” These estimates include judgments about deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from temporary differences between assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and such amounts recognized for tax purposes, as well as about the realization of deferred tax assets. We may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. ASC 740 also provides guidance on derecognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, and income tax disclosures. We maintain a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty surrounding the timing of realizing the benefits of net deferred tax assets in future years. We have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for such a valuation allowance. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future, the valuation allowance would be decreased accordingly. We may periodically undergo examinations by the federal and state regulatory authorities and the Internal Revenue Service. We may be assessed additional taxes and or penalties contingent on the outcome of these examinations. Our previous examinations have not resulted in any unfavorable or significant assessments.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently adopted accounting guidance On July 1, 2012 we adopted ASU 2011-08, guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) on testing goodwill for impairment. The new guidance provides an entity with the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity determines that this is the case, it is required to perform the currently prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recognized for that reporting unit (if any). If an entity determines that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. Adoption of this new guidance did not impact our financial statements. On July 1, 2012 we adopted ASU 2011-05, guidance issued by the FASB on presentation of comprehensive income. The new guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. Instead, an entity will be required to present either a continuous statement of net income and other comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The new guidance also required entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in which net income is presented and the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented. However, in December 2011, the FASB issued guidance which indefinitely defers the guidance related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. Adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Basis of Presentation

In the opinion of management, the unaudited accompanying condensed financial statements, including balance sheets and related interim statements of comprehensive loss, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity, include all adjustments, consisting primarily of normal recurring items, which are necessary for their fair presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Examples include estimates of loss contingencies, product life cycles and inventory obsolescence, bad debts, sales returns, share-based compensation, forfeiture rates, the potential outcome of future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns, and determining when investment impairments are other-than-temporary. Actual results and outcomes may differ from management’s estimates and assumptions.

Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with information included in the Qualstar Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on September 21, 2012.

Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Risks and Uncertainties

We are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may significantly impact our future operating results. These risks and uncertainties are discussed under Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” included in this Form 10-Q. As our interim description of risks and uncertainties only includes any material changes to our annual description, we refer you to our risk factors previously disclosed in Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, as filed with the SEC.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, title and risk of loss have passed, delivery has occurred or the services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured. Title and risk of loss generally pass to our customers upon shipment. In limited circumstances where either title or risk of loss pass upon destination or acceptance or when collection is not reasonably assured, we defer revenue recognition until such events occur.

Revenue for established products that have previously satisfied a customer’s acceptance requirements and provide for full payment tied to shipment is generally recognized upon shipment and passage of title. In limited cases where a prior history of customer acceptance cannot be demonstrated or sales where customer payment dates are not determinable or when collection is not reasonably assured, revenue is deferred until customer acceptance occurs or payment has been received. On the limited shipments where sales are not recognized, gross profit is generally recorded as deferred profit in our consolidated balance sheet representing the difference between the receivable recorded and the inventory shipped.

In January 2013, the third party service contract provider changed the terms of the agreement with the Company that triggered a change in revenue recognition policy for contract services. The terms of the agreement changed from coverage over the customer’s entire contractual service period to a fee per incident model. As a result, beginning in the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the Company changed its revenue recognition policy regarding the treatment of service revenue received from customers and serviced by the third party service provider from net to gross recording. Revenues for contract services are now deferred at the beginning of the service term and amortized ratably over the life of the contract. Expenses incurred related to fulfilling the service contract are expensed when incurred. This change in revenue recognition is recognized prospectively.

As a result of this change in accounting principle, the Company recorded a one-time, non-cash increase to deferred revenues of approximately $454,000 with an equal offset to revenues and net income.

Deferred revenue is shown separately in the balance sheet, and deferred profit is included in other accrued liabilities in the balance sheet. At March 31, 2013, we had deferred revenue of approximately $610,000, and deferred profit of approximately $28,000. At June 30, 2012, we had deferred revenue of approximately $156,000 and no deferred profit.

Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Marketable Securities

Marketable securities consist primarily of high-quality U.S. corporate securities, U.S. federal government debt securities, corporate and municipal bonds, collateralized mortgage obligations and asset backed securities. Our marketable securities portfolio consists of short-term securities with original maturities of greater than three months from the date of purchase and remaining maturities of less than one year and long-term securities with original maturities of greater than one year and less than five years. Marketable securities are classified as “available-for-sale” and are recorded at fair value using the specific identification method; unrealized gains and losses are reflected in other comprehensive income until realized; realized gains and losses are included in earnings when the underlying securities are sold and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold. If the credit ratings of the security issuers deteriorate or if market conditions deteriorate, we may be required to reduce the value of our investments through an impairment charge and reflect them as long-term investments.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We measure fair value on all financial assets and liabilities and nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least quarterly). See “Note 5 – Fair Value Measurements.”

Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on an assessment of the collectability of specific accounts and the overall condition of accounts receivable. In evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts, we analyze specific trade receivables, historical bad debts, customer credits, customer credit-worthiness and changes in customers’ payment terms and patterns. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make additional payments, then we may need to make additional allowances. Likewise, if we determine that we could realize more of our receivables in the future than previously estimated, we would adjust the allowance to increase income in the period we made this determination.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventory Valuation

We record inventories at the lower of cost or market value. We assess the value of our inventories periodically based upon numerous factors including expected product or material demand, current market conditions, technological obsolescence, current cost and net realizable value. If necessary, we write down our inventory for estimated obsolescence, potential shrinkage, or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If technology changes more rapidly than expected, or market conditions become less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Warranty Obligations

We provide for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. We engage in extensive product quality programs and processes, including active monitoring and evaluation of product failure rates, material usage and estimation of service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. However, should actual product failure rates, material usage, or service delivery costs differ from our estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required. Historically our warranty costs have not been significant.

Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Legal and Other Contingencies

The outcomes of legal proceedings and claims brought against us are subject to significant uncertainty. An estimated loss from a loss contingency such as a legal proceeding or claim is accrued by a charge to income if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. When legal costs that the entity expects to incur in defending itself in connection with a loss contingency accrual are expected to be material, the loss should factor in all costs and, if the legal costs are reasonably estimable, they should be accrued in accordance with ASC 450, regardless of whether a liability can be estimated for the contingency itself. Disclosure of a contingency is required if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred. Changes in these factors could materially impact our financial statements. We have accrued $123,000 for such contingencies.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Share-Based Compensation

Share-based compensation is accounted for in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation.” We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine fair value of the award at the date of grant and recognize compensation expense over the vesting period. The inputs we use for the model require the use of judgment, estimates and assumptions regarding the expected volatility of the stock, the expected term the average employee will hold the option prior to the date of exercise, expected future dividends, and the amount of share-based awards that are expected to be forfeited. Changes in these inputs and assumptions could occur and actual results could differ from these estimates, and our results of operations could be materially impacted.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accounting for Income Taxes

We estimate our tax liability based on current tax laws in the statutory jurisdictions in which we operate in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” These estimates include judgments about deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from temporary differences between assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and such amounts recognized for tax purposes, as well as about the realization of deferred tax assets. We may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. ASC 740 also provides guidance on derecognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, and income tax disclosures.

We maintain a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty surrounding the timing of realizing the benefits of net deferred tax assets in future years. We have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for such a valuation allowance. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future, the valuation allowance would be decreased accordingly.

We may periodically undergo examinations by the federal and state regulatory authorities and the Internal Revenue Service. We may be assessed additional taxes and or penalties contingent on the outcome of these examinations. Our previous examinations have not resulted in any unfavorable or significant assessments.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recently adopted accounting guidance

On July 1, 2012 we adopted ASU 2011-08, guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) on testing goodwill for impairment. The new guidance provides an entity with the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity determines that this is the case, it is required to perform the currently prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recognized for that reporting unit (if any). If an entity determines that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. Adoption of this new guidance did not impact our financial statements.

On July 1, 2012 we adopted ASU 2011-05, guidance issued by the FASB on presentation of comprehensive income. The new guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. Instead, an entity will be required to present either a continuous statement of net income and other comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The new guidance also required entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in which net income is presented and the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented. However, in December 2011, the FASB issued guidance which indefinitely defers the guidance related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. Adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.