djco20170930

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation:

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Daily Journal and Journal Technologies (collectively the “Company”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Concentrations of Credit Risk:

The Company extends unsecured credit to most of its advertising customers. The Company recognizes that extending credit and setting appropriate reserves for receivables is largely a subjective decision based on knowledge of the customer and the industry. Credit exposure also includes the amount of estimated unbilled sales. Credit limits, setting and maintaining credit standards, and managing the overall quality of the credit portfolio is largely centralized. The level of credit is influenced by the customer’s credit and payment history which the Company monitors when establishing a reserve.

Cash E

quivalents:

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of

three

months or less to be cash equivalents.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of their short maturities. In addition, the Company has investments in marketable securities, all categorized as “available-for-sale

” and stated at fair

market value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax

es, reported in

“Accumulated other comprehensive

income

” (AOCI) in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The unrealized gains and losses included in AOCI represent changes in the fair value of the investments due to changes in both market prices and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company uses quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (consistent with the Level

definition in the fair value hierarchy) to measure the fair value of its investments on a recurring basis pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)

Topic

820,

Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures

. At

September 30, 2017,

the aggregate fair market value of the Company’s marketable securities was

$229,265,000.

These investments had approximately

$165,872,000

of net unrealized gains before taxes of

$64,550,000.

Most of the unrealized gains were in the common stocks of

three

U.S. financial institutions. The bonds have a maturity date in

2039

and are classified as “Current assets” because they are available for sale. At

September 30, 2016,

the Company had marketable securities at fair market value of approximately

$166,634,000,

including approximately

$108,256,000

of unrealized net gains before taxes of

$42,250,000.

Investment in Financial Instruments

	September 30, 20 17						September 30, 201 6
	Aggregate fair value		Amortized/ Adjusted cost basis		Pretax unrealized gains		Aggregate fair value		Amortized/ Adjusted cost basis		Pretax unrealized gains
Marketable securities
Common stocks	$	220,973,000	$	58,449,000	$	162,524,000	$	158,462,000	$	53,436,000	$	105,026,000
Bonds		8,292,000		4,944,000		3,348,000		8,172,000		4,942,000		3,230,000
	$	229,265,000	$	63,393,000	$	165,872,000	$	166,634,000	$	58,378,000	$	108,256,000

he Company perform

ed separate evaluations for equity securities

with a fair value at

September 30, 2017

and

2016

below cost to determine if the unrealized losses

were other-than-temporary. This evaluation

considered a number of factors including, but

not

limited to, the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer

the Company’s ability and intent to hold the securities until fair value recovers

, and the length of time and extent to which the fair value ha

d been less than cost. The assessment of the ability and intent to hold these securities to recovery focuses on liquidity

needs, asset/liability management and portfolio objectives.

Based on the result of th

e evaluation,

the Company concluded that as of

September 30, 2017

and

2016,

the unrealized loss related to

such marketable securities was temporary.

U.S. GAAP requires that the Company recognize other-than-temporary impairment losses in earnings rather than in accumulated comprehensive income when the security prices remain below cost for a period of time that

may

be deemed excessive even in instances where the Company possesses the ability and intent to hold the security. However, the recording of these impairment losses does

not

necessarily indicate that the loss in value of these securities is permanent.

Intangible Assets:

September 30, 2017

and

2016,

intangible assets were composed of (i) customer relationships of

$2,776,000

and

$7,166,000

(net of the accumulated amortization expenses of

$19,174,000

and

$14,938,000

), respectively, and (ii) developed technology of

$282,000

and

$787,000

(net of accumulated amortization expenses of

$2,243,000

and

$1,738,000

), respectively. These intangible assets are being amortized over

five

years based on their estimated useful lives. Future annual intangible amortization costs are estimated to be approximately

$3,058,000

for fiscal

2018

and

none

thereafter. Intangible amortization expense was

$4,895,000,

$5,037,000

and

$4,907,000

for fiscal

2017,

2016

and

2015,

respectively.

Intangible Assets

	September 30, 201 7									September 30, 201 6
	Customer Relationships			Developed Technology			Total			Customer Relationships			Developed Technology			Total

Gross intangible	$	21,950,000		$	2,525,000		$	24,475,000		$	22,104,000		$	2,525,000		$	24,629,000
Accumulated amortization		(19,174,000	)		(2,243,000	)		(21,417,000	)		(14,938,000	)		(1,738,000	)		(16,676,000	)
	$	2,776,000		$	282,000		$	3,058,000		$	7,166,000		$	787,000		$	7,953,000

Goodwill:

The Company accounts for goodwill in accordance with ASC

350,

Intangibles — Goodwill and Other

. Goodwill is

not

amortized for financial statement purposes but evaluated for impairment annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the value

may

not

be recoverable. The goodwill amount reported in the consolidated balance sheets relates only to Journal Technologies. The Company performed qualitative assessments for Journal Technologies and determined there were

substantive changes during the current year and

indication of impairment. In making this assessment, the Company only considered Journal Technologies’ assets and their revenue generating abilities as required by ASC

350.

Goodwill represents the expected synergies in expanding the Company’s software business. Considered factors for potential goodwill impairment evaluation include the current year’s operating financial results before intangible amortization, fluctuations of revenues, changes in the market place, the status of installation contracts and new business, among other things. As of

September 30, 2017

and

2016,

there was goodwill of

$13,400,000.

Prepaid

Expenses

and Other

Current

Assets:

Included in other assets are in-progress installation service costs of

$350,000

as of

September 30, 2017

and

2016

for the legacy projects from the acquisition for which revenues have

not

yet been recognized and are deferred.

Inventories:

Inventories, comprised of newsprint and paper, are stated at cost, on a

first

-in,

first

-out basis, which does

not

exceed current market value.

Property, plant and equipment:

Property, plant and equipment are carried on the basis of cost or fair value for assets acquired in business combinations. Depreciation of assets is provided in amounts sufficient to depreciate the cost of related assets over their estimated useful lives ranging from

–

years. At

September 30, 2017,

the estimated useful lives were (i)

–

years for building and improvements, (ii)

–

years for furniture, office equipment and software, and (iii)

–

years for machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the related leases or the useful life of the assets, whichever is shorter. Assets are depreciated using the straight-line method for financial statements and accelerated method for tax purposes. Depreciation and amortization expenses were

$691,000,

$672,000

and

$624,000

for fiscal

2017,

2016

and

2015,

respectively.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:

The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset

may

not

be recoverable. There were

such impairments identified during fiscal

2017,

2016

and

2015.

Journal Technologies

’ Software Development Costs:

Development costs related to software products for sale or licensing are expensed as incurred until the technological feasibility of the product has been established. Thereafter, until the product is released for sale, software development costs are capitalized and reported at the lower of unamortized cost or net realizable value of the related product. The establishment of technological feasibility and the ongoing assessment of recoverability of costs require considerable judgment by the Company with respect to certain internal and external factors, including, but

not

limited to, anticipated future product revenue, estimated economic life and changes in hardware and software technology.

The Company believes its process for developing software is essentially completed concurrent with the establishment of technological feasibility, and accordingly,

software development costs have been capitalized to date.

Revenue Recognition:

Journal Technologies recognizes revenues in accordance with the provisions of ASC

985

605,

Software—Revenue Recognition

. Revenues from license, maintenance and support contracts generally call for the Company to provide software updates and upgrades to customers and are recognized ratably over the maintenance period. Consulting and other services are recognized upon completion of the services and acceptance by the customers under the completed performance method. The Company elects to use the completed performance method because each customer’s acceptance is unpredictable and reliable estimates of the progress towards completion cannot be made. Only after a customer’s acceptance of a completed project does the customer realize value, and any advances are generally

longer at risk of refund and are therefore considered earned.

Journal Technologies has established Vendor Specific Objective Evidence (VSOE) of fair value of the annual maintenance

and the coterminous license, maintenance and support because a substantial majority of the Journal Technologies’ actual maintenance and coterminous license, maintenance and support renewals is within a narrow range of pricing for the contracts and is deemed substantive.

Approximately

58%,

56%

and

57%

of the Company’s revenues in fiscal

2017,

2016

and

2015,

respectively, were derived from sales of software licenses, annual software licenses, maintenance and support agreements and consulting services that typically include implementation and training.

The change in allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Description	Balance at Beginning of Year		Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses		Accounts Charged off less Recoveries			Balance at End of Year
Fiscal 2017
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	200,000	$	33,000	$	(33,000	)	$	200,000
Fiscal 2016
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	250,000	$	5,000	$	(55,000	)	$	200,000
Fiscal 2015
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	250,000	$	61,000	$	(61,000	)	$	250,000

Management Incentive Plan:

In fiscal

1987,

the Company implemented a Management Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”) that entitles a participant to participate in pretax earnings before adjustment for certain items of the Company. In

2003,

the Company modified the Incentive Plan to provide participants with

three

different types of non-negotiable incentive certificates based on the nature of the particular participants’ responsibilities. Each certificate entitles the participant to a specified share of the applicable pretax earnings in the year of grant and to receive the same percentage of pretax earnings to be generated in each of the next

nine

years provided they remain with the Company or are in retirement after working for the Company to age

65.

If a participant dies while any of his or her certificates remain outstanding, future payments under those certificates will be made to the deceased participant’s beneficiaries.

In fiscal

2015,

after combining Sustain, New Dawn and ISD into

one

company, the Company converted each existing Sustain Non-negotiable Incentive Certificate along with its supplemental Addendum to a new “Journal Technologies Non-negotiable Incentive Certificate” coupled with a similar supplemental Addendum which

defines how the value of the Journal Technologies Certificate will be paid upon a triggering event such as a sale of Journal Technologies or an initial public offering. Employees and consultants of Journal Technologies are eligible to participate in these “Journal Technologies Certificates”. Payouts under the Journal Technologies Certificates are calculated based on the pretax income of Journal Technologies before supplemental compensation expenses, workers’ compensation expenses, intangible amortizations and goodwill impairment. Also effective fiscal

2015,

the calculation of payouts under the Daily Journal Non-Consolidated Certificates is based on the pretax earnings of the traditional publishing business before supplemental compensation expenses, workers’ compensation expenses, financing costs of the non-traditional business activities and any write-downs of unrealized losses on investments. The calculation of payouts under the Daily Journal Consolidated Certificate remains unchanged. For any certificate held by an employee who is expected to become retirement eligible during the

year period of the certificate, the Company recognizes the future commitments at each fiscal year-end over the period from the grant date through retirement eligibility.

Certificate interests entitled participants to

receive

5.12%,

4.49%

and

4.13%

(amounting to

$268,250,

$271,350

and

$198,915,

respectively) of Daily Journal non-consolidated income before taxes, workers’ compensation, supplemental compensation and certain other items,

8.53%,

8.30%

and

7.07%

(amounting to

$0,

and

$10,600

for fiscal

2017,

2016

and

2015,

respectively) for Journal Technologies and

8.2%,

8.2%

and

8.2%

(amounting to

$0,

and

$0,

respectively) for Daily Journal consolidated in fiscal

2017,

2016

and

2015.

The Company accrued

$135,000

and

$62,000

as of

September 30, 2017

and

2016,

respectively, for the Plan’s future commitment for those who will still have Certificates at the age of

65.

This future commitment included an increase in the accrual in fiscal

2017

$75,000

$.06

per outstanding share on an adjusted pretax basis as compared with an increase in fiscal

2016

$15,000

$.01

per outstanding share due to increased estimated future pretax income. The estimated Incentive Plan’s future commitment is calculated using Level

inputs, as defined in the fair value hierarchy, based on an average of the past year and the current year pretax earnings before certain items, discounted to the present value at

since each granted Unit will expire over its remaining life term of up to

years.

Income taxes:

The Company accounts for income taxes using an asset and liability approach which requires the recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes and the tax basis of the assets and liabilities. The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes under ASC

740

which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement methodology to recognize and measure an income tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in a tax return. The evaluation of a tax position is based on a

two

-step approach. The

first

step requires an entity to evaluate whether the tax position would “more likely than

not”

be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority. The

second

step requires the tax position be measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than

50%

likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. In addition, previously recognized benefits from tax positions that

longer meet the new criteria would be derecognized.

Net

(loss)

income per common share

The net (loss) income per common share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each year. The shares used in the calculation were

1,380,746

for fiscal

2017,

2016

and

2015.

The Company does

not

have any common stock equivalents, and therefore basic and diluted net income per share is the same.

Use of Estimates:

The presentation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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. The long-term Incentive Plan accrual is calculated using Level

inputs, as defined in the fair value hierarchy, based on an average of the past year’s and the current year’s pretax earnings, discounted to the present value at

since each granted Unit will expire over its remaining life term of up to

years. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

New Accounting Pronouncements:

November 2015,

the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU)

No.

2015

17,

Income Taxes (Topic

740

): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes

. This update requires deferred tax liabilities and assets to be classified as noncurrent in the consolidated balance sheet. The standard is required to be adopted for annual periods beginning after

December 15, 2016,

including interim periods within that annual period, which is the Company’s fiscal

2018.

The Company has adopted this guidance effective

October 1, 2017

and concluded that it has

significant impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or disclosures because it is simply a reclassification of current deferred taxes to non-current deferred taxes with an itemization of federal and state deferred taxes under separate lines.

May 2014,

the FASB issued ASU

No.

2014

09,

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (

ASC

Topic

606

)

. This update clarifies the principles for revenue recognition in transactions involving contracts with customers. The new revenue recognition guidance provides a

five

-step analysis to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The new guidance will require revenue recognition to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration a company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In

August 2015,

the FASB issued ASU

No.

2015

14,

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic

606

): Deferral of Effective Date

. This update defers the mandatory effective date of its revenue recognition standard by

one

year. The standard is required to be adopted for annual periods beginning after

December 15, 2017,

including interim periods within that annual period, which is the Company’s fiscal

2019.

Early application is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after

December 15, 2016,

and interim periods within that annual period, which is the Company’s fiscal

2018.

March 2016,

the FASB issued ASU

No.

2016

08,

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC Topic

606

): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)

, providing guidance regarding the application of ASU

2014

when another party, along with the reporting entity, is involved in providing a good or a service to a customer. In

April 2016,

the FASB issued ASU

No.

2016

10,

Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing

, which clarifies the identification of performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance. In

May 2016,

the FASB further issued ASU

No.

2016

12,

Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients

providing guidance in certain narrow areas and adding some practical expedients. Either the full retrospective basis (to the beginning of its contracts) or modified retrospective method (from the beginning of the latest fiscal year of adoption) is permitted. The effective dates for these ASUs, which are the same as the effective date for ASU

No.

2014

09,

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

, will be the Company’s fiscal

2019

annual and interim periods.

The Company has completed its preliminary evaluation of these ASUs and concluded that the adoption of these ASUs in fiscal

2018

will

not

have significant impact on the Company

’s financial condition, results of operations or disclosures because the Company has been utilizing the completed performance method of accounting, pursuant to which the Company does

not

recognize revenues for implementation services or licenses, maintenance, support and hosting services until after the services have been performed and accepted by the customer (go-live), due to the fact that the customer’s acceptance is typically unpredictable and reliable estimates of the progress towards completion cannot be made. Thus, the Company’s existing revenue recognition policy is already in conformity with

ASU

No.

2014

09,

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic

606

)

which calls for revenue recognition at the point of delivery when a performance obligation is fulfilled. Consequently, the Company believes there are

required retrospective or accumulated catch-up adjustments with respect to prior years’ financial figures, as revenues have been recognized consistently in the same manner throughout these fiscal periods. The Company will continue to monitor and assess the impact of any changes to the standard and interpretations as they become available.

January 2016,

FASB issued “ASU”

No.

2016

01,

Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic

825

): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

. This ASU updates certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments and applies to all entities that hold financial assets or owe financial liabilities. It requires an entity to: (i) measure equity investments at fair value through net income, with certain exceptions; (ii) present in Other Comprehensive Income changes in instrument-specific credit risk for financial liabilities measured using the fair value option; (iii) present financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset; (iv) calculate the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes based on an exit price and; (v) assess a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets related to unrealized losses of available-for-sale debt securities in combination with other deferred tax assets. The Update also requires a qualitative impairment assessment of such equity investments and amends certain fair value disclosure requirements. This ASU is effective for public business with fiscal years beginning after

December 15, 2017,

including interim periods within that annual period, which is the Company’s fiscal

2019.

The Company plans to begin its assessment in fiscal

2018

to evaluate what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU

may

have on its financial condition, results of operations or disclosures.

January 2017,

FASB issued ASU

No.

2017

04,

Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic

350

): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment

. This ASU simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step

from the goodwill impairment test and requiring impairment charges to be based on Step

which is to compare the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. A goodwill impairment should be recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. This ASU is effective for public business with fiscal years beginning after

December 15, 2019,

which is the Company’s fiscal

2021.

Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim goodwill impairment testing dates after

January 1, 2017.

The Company has

not

yet evaluated what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU

may

have on its financial condition, results of operations or disclosures because it is

not

required to be adopted for several years.

February 2016,

the FASB issued ASU

2016

02,

Leases (Topic

842

)

. This update requires that all leases be recognized by lessees on the balance sheet through a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability, including today’s operating leases. This standard is required to be adopted for annual periods beginning after

December 15, 2018,

including interim periods within that annual period, which is the Company’s fiscal year

2020.

The Company has

not

yet evaluated what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance

may

have on its financial condition, results of operations or disclosures.

other new accounting pronouncement issued or effective has had, or is expected to have, a material impact on the Company

’s consolidated financial statements.

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Note 3 - Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

INCOME TAXES

The (benefit from) provision for income taxes consists of the following:

	2017			2016			2015
Current:
Federal	$	(2,570,000	)	$	(268,000	)	$	458,000
State		(6,000	)		(30,000	)		(271,000	)
		(2,576,000	)		(298,000	)		187,000
Deferred:
Federal		(3,854,000	)		(1,369,000	)		(1,053,000	)
State		(720,000	)		(268,000	)		(254,000	)
		(4,574,000	)		(1,637,000	)		(1,307,000	)
	$	(7,150,000	)	$	(1,935,000	)	$	(1,120,000	)

The difference between the statutory federal income tax rate and the Company

’s effective rate is summarized below:

	2017			2016			2015

Statutory federal income tax rate		34.0	%		34.0	%		34.0	%
State franchise taxes (net of federal tax benefit)		6.2			5.2			(23.3	)
State enterprise zone benefits		---			---			134.9
Business meals/gifts		(0.8	)		(2.3	)		(18.8	)
Domestic production activity deduction		---			---			(2.2	)
Dividends received deduction		10.0			24.5			225.7
Reversal of uncertain and unrecognized tax position		37.6			---			---
Penalties for uncertain and unrecognized tax benefits		2.0			---			---
Prior year true-up		1.0			(2.0	)		(7.3	)
Foreign tax credits		2.0			4.0			28.4
Effect of state rate change on beginning balance of deferred tax liabilities		(0.3	)		1.4			(5.0	)
Others		(3.0	)		0.2			(5.5	)
Effective tax rate		88.7	%		65.0	%		360.9	%

The Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities were comprised of the following:

	2017			2016			2015
Deferred tax assets attributable to:
Accrued liabilities, including supplemental compensation and vacation pay accrual	$	(69,000	)	$	455,000		$	605,000
Impairment losses on investments		1,376,000			1,382,000			1,369,000
Bad debt reserves not yet deductible		62,000			62,000			82,000
Depreciation and amortization		5,977,000			4,549,000			3,251,000
Deferred revenues		1,431,000			1,555,000			1,378,000
Credits and other		4,403,000			1,519,000			869,000
Total deferred tax assets		13,180,000			9,522,000			7,554,000

Deferred tax liabilities attributable to:
Unrealized gains on investments		(64,550,000	)		(42,250,000	)		(43,278,000	)
Goodwill		(311,000	)		(1,227,000	)		(896,000	)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(64,861,000	)		(43,477,000	)		(44,174,000	)
Net deferred income taxes	$	(51,681,000	)	$	(33,955,000	)	$	(36,620,000	)

During fiscal

2017,

the Company recorded an income tax benefit of

$7,150,000

on pretax loss of

$8,068,000.

The effective tax rate (before the discrete item discussed below) was greater than the statutory rate primarily due to the dividends received deduction which increases the loss for tax purposes. On pretax loss of

$2,978,000

for fiscal

2016,

the Company recorded an income tax benefit of

$1,935,000.

The effective tax rate was greater than the statutory rate mainly resulting from the dividends received deduction. On pretax loss of

$310,000

for fiscal

2015,

the Company recorded a tax benefit of

$1,120,000.

The effective tax rate was greater than the statutory rate mainly resulting from the dividends received deduction, the domestic production activity deduction and a discrete benefit of approximately

$400,000

related to the California Enterprise Zone hiring credits which resulted from the Company’s filing amended California tax returns for fiscal

2010

through fiscal

2013.

The Company’s effective tax rate was

89%,

65%

and

361%

for fiscal

2017,

2016

and

2015,

respectively.

At the beginning of fiscal

2017,

the Company had a liability for uncertain and unrecognized tax benefits in the amount of

$2,723,000

relating to an acquisition in fiscal

2013.

During the

second

quarter of fiscal

2017,

the Internal Revenue Service concluded its examination of the Company’s fiscal

2014

income tax return and proposed

changes to the tax position that gave rise to this liability. Consequently, this liability was reversed in

March 2017

along with the related accrued interest and penalty expenses of

$743,000.

In addition, a deferred tax liability, in the amount of

$352,000,

relating to temporary differences that would only exist if the uncertain tax position was never recognized, was reversed. At

September 30, 2016,

the liability was approximately

$2,723,000,

after a reduction of

$521,000

resulting from the recognition of deferred revenues and from the amortization of goodwill for tax purposes. At

September 30, 2015,

the Company had an

accrued liability of approximately

$2,991,000

for uncertain and unrecognized tax benefits after a reduction of

$253,000.

During

2016

and

2015,

interest expense of approximately

$112,000

and

$96,000,

respectively, was recorded as “interest and penalty expense accrued for uncertain and unrecognized tax benefits” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance for liabilities associated with these uncertain and unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

Uncertain Tax Liability

	2017			2016			2015

Beginning balance	$	2,723,000		$	2,991,000		$	3,244,000
Added liability for the prior year		---			---			---
Added liability for the current year		---			---			---
Tax payment upon settlement		---			---			---
Reversal/r educed liability for the current year		(2,723,000	)		(268,000	)		(253,000	)
Ending balance	$	---		$	2,723,000		$	2,991,000

The Company files consolidated federal income tax returns in the United States and with various state jurisdictions and is

longer subject to examinations for fiscal years before fiscal

2015

with regard to federal income taxes and fiscal

2013

for state income taxes.

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Note 4 - Debts and Commitments

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Commitments Disclosure [Text Block]

DEBTS

AND COMMITMENTS

During fiscal

2013

, the Company borrowed from its investment margin account the aggregate purchase price of

$29.5

million for

two

acquisitions, in each case pledging its marketable securities as collateral. The interest rate for these investment margin account borrowings fluctuates based on the Federal Funds Rate plus

basis points with interest only payable monthly. The interest rate as of

September 30, 2017

was

1.75%.

These investment margin account borrowings do

not

mature.

November 2015,

the Company purchased a

30,700

square foot office building constructed in

1998

on about

3.6

acres in Logan, Utah that had been previously leased by Journal Technologies. The Company paid

$1.24

million and financed the balance with a real estate bank loan of

$2.26

million which bears a fixed interest rate of

4.66%

and is repayable in equal monthly installments of about

$17,600

through

2030.

This loan is secured by the Logan facility and can be paid off at any time without prepayment penalty. This real estate loan had a balance of approximately

$2.

million as of

September 30, 2017.

The Company

also owns its facilities in Los Angeles and leases space for its other offices under operating leases which expire at various dates through fiscal

2021.

During fiscal

2014,

the Company renewed its office lease for its San Francisco office for

five

years to end on

October 31, 2019

with currently a monthly rent of approximately

$25,000

for about

6,200

square feet. In fiscal

2017,

the Company leased approximately

9,800

square feet of office space (expiring in

August 2020)

in Englewood, Colorado.

The Company is responsible for a portion of maintenance, insurance and property tax expenses relating to the leased properties. Rental expenses for fiscal years

2017,

2016

and

2015

were

$742,000,

$745,000

and

$1,171,000,

respectively.

The following table represents the Company

’s future obligations:

	Payments due by Fiscal Year
	2018		2019		2020		2021		2022		2023 and after		Total
Real estate loan	$	115,000	$	124,000	$	126,000	$	133,000	$	139,000	$	1,434,000	$	2,071,000
Obligations under operating leases		858,000		689,000		308,000		19,000		---		---		1,874,000
Long-term accrued liabilities*		---		23,000		9,000		5,000		4,000		94,000		135,000
	$	973,000	$	836,000	$	443,000	$	157,000	$	143,000	$	1,528,000	$	4,080,000

* The long-term accrued liabilities are discounted to the present value using a discount rate of

6%.

XML 23 R12.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Note 5 - Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Note 5 - Contingencies	Sep. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	5. CONTINGENCIES From time to time, the Company is subject to litigation arising in the normal course of its business. While it is not possible to predict the results of such litigation, management does not believe the ultimate outcome of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

XML 24 R13.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Note 6 - Reportable Segments

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]

REPORTABLE SEGMENTS

In accordance with ASC

280

10,

Segment Reporting

, the Company has

two

segments of business. The Company’s reportable segments are: (i) the Traditional Business and (ii) Journal Technologies. All inter-segment transactions were eliminated.

Summarized financial information concerning the Company

’s reportable segments and Corporate income and expenses is shown in the following table:

	Reportable Segments
	Traditional Business			Journal Technologies			Corporate income and expenses			Total
Fiscal 2017
Revenues
Advertising, net	$	9,104,000		$	---		$	---		$	9,104,000
Circulation		5,654,000			---			---			5,654,000
Advertising service fees and other		2,812,000			---			---			2,812,000
Licensing and maintenance fees		---			16,037,000			---			16,037,000
Consulting fees		---			4,476,000			---			4,476,000
Other public service fees		---			3,301,000			---			3,301,000
Operating expenses		17,852,000			36,699,000			---			54,551,000
Loss from operations		(282,000	)		(12,885,000	)		---			(13,167,000	)
Dividends and interest income		---			---			4,844,000			4,844,000
Other income		22,000			---			12,000			34,000
Interest expense on note payable collateralized by real estate		(100,000	)		---			---			(100,000	)
Interest expense on margin loans		---			---			(422,000	)		(422,000	)
Interest and penalty expense reversal for uncertain and unrecognized tax benefits		---			743,000			---			743,000
Pretax (loss) income		(360,000	)		(12,142,000	)		4,434,000			(8,068,000	)
Income tax benefit (expense)		(2,000	)		7,910,000			(758,000	)		7,150,000
Net (loss) income		(362,000	)		(4,232,000	)		3,676,000			(918,000	)
Total assets		17,474,000			33,461,000			229,265,000			280,200,000
Capital expenditures		160,000			93,000			---			253,000
Amortization of intangible assets		---			4,895,000			---			4,895,000

	Reportable Segments
	Traditional Business			Journal Technologies			Corporate income and expenses			Total
Fiscal 2016
Revenues
Advertising, net	$	9,854,000		$	---		$	---		$	9,854,000
Circulation		5,912,000			---			---			5,912,000
Advertising service fees and other		2,651,000			---			---			2,651,000
Licensing and maintenance fees		---			14,758,000			---			14,758,000
Consulting fees		---			4,085,000			---			4,085,000
Other public service fees		---			4,352,000			---			4,352,000
Operating expenses		17,240,000			31,012,000			---			48,252,000
Income (loss) from operations		1,177,000			(7,817,000	)		---			(6,640,000	)
Dividends and interest income		---			---			4,085,000			4,085,000
Other income		52,000			---			9,000			61,000
Interest expense on note payable collateralized by real estate		(88,000	)		---			---			(88,000	)
Interest expense on margin loans		---			---			(284,000	)		(284,000	)
Interest expense accrued for uncertain and unrecognized tax benefits		---			(112,000	)		---			(112,000	)
Pretax income (loss)		1,141,000			(7,929,000	)		3,810,000			(2,978,000	)
Income tax benefit (expense)		(530,000	)		3,140,000			(675,000	)		1,935,000
Net income (loss)		611,000			(4,789,000	)		3,135,000			(1,043,000	)
Total assets		19,026,000			39,786,000			166,634,000			225,446,000
Capital expenditures, including purchase of Logan building		3,662,000			117,000			---			3,779,000
Amortization of intangible assets		142,000			4,895,000			---			5,037,000

	Reportable Segments
	Traditional Business			Journal Technologies			Corporate income and expenses			Total
Fiscal 2015
Revenues
Advertising, net	$	10,502,000		$	---		$	---		$	10,502,000
Circulation		5,915,000			---			---			5,915,000
Advertising service fees and other		2,703,000			---			---			2,703,000
Licensing and maintenance fees		---			13,984,000			---			13,984,000
Consulting fees		---			4,704,000			---			4,704,000
Other public service fees		---			6,170,000			---			6,170,000
Operating expenses		18,038,000			29,452,000			---			47,490,000
Income (loss) from operations		1,082,000			(4,594,000	)		---			(3,512,000	)
Dividends and interest income		---			---			3,829,000			3,829,000
Other income and capital gains		---			---			69,000			69,000
Interest expense on margin loans		---			---			(224,000	)		(224,000	)
Interest expense accrued for uncertain and unrecognized tax benefits		---			(96,000	)		---			(96,000	)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments		---			---			(376,000	)		(376,000	)
Pretax income (loss)		1,082,000			(4,690,000	)		3,298,000			(310,000	)
Income tax benefit (expense)		(70,000	)		1,580,000			(390,000	)		1,120,000
Net income (loss)		1,012,000			(3,110,000	)		2,908,000			810,000
Total assets		15,047,000			47,108,000			166,041,000			228,196,000
Capital expenditures		425,000			140,000			---			565,000
Amortization of intangible assets		12,000			4,895,000			---			4,907,000

XML 25 R14.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Note 7 Results of Operations by Quarter (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY QUARTER (UNAUDITED)

	Quarter ended
	December 31			March 31			June 30			September 30
	(in thousands except per share amounts)
2017
Revenues	$	9,990		$	10,279		$	10,201		$	10,914
Costs and expenses		12,843			13,545			13,834			14,329
Loss from operations		(2,853	)		(3,266	)		(3,633	)		(3,415	)
Other income, net		1,072			2,005			817			1,205
Income (loss) before taxes		(1,781	)		(1,261	)		(2,816	)		(2,210	)
Benefits from income taxes		310			4,240			1,465			1,135
Net income (loss)		(1,471	)		2,979			(1,351	)		(1,075	)
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share		(1.07	)		2.16			(.98	)		(.77	)
2016
Revenues	$	10,815		$	11,442		$	10,338		$	9,017
Costs and expenses		11,777			12,018			12,120			12,337
Loss from operations		(962	)		(576	)		(1,782	)		(3,320	)
Other income, net		827			728			1,159			948
Income (loss) before taxes		(135	)		152			(623	)		(2,372	)
Benefits from income taxes		185			55			285			1,410
Net income (loss)		50			207			(338	)		(962	)
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share		.04			.15			(.25	)		(.70	)

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Note 8 - Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Note 8 - Subsequent Events	Sep. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS The Company has completed an evaluation of all subsequent events through the issuance date of these financial statements and concluded that no additional subsequent events occurred that required recognition in the financial statements or disclosures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

XML 27 R16.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Basis of Presentation:

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

Concentrations of Credit Risk:

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash E

quivalents:

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of

three

months or less to be cash equivalents.

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

Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

” and stated at fair

market value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax

es, reported in

“Accumulated other comprehensive

income

” (AOCI) in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

definition in the fair value hierarchy) to measure the fair value of its investments on a recurring basis pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)

Topic

820,

Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures

. At

September 30, 2017,

the aggregate fair market value of the Company’s marketable securities was

$229,265,000.

These investments had approximately

$165,872,000

of net unrealized gains before taxes of

$64,550,000.

Most of the unrealized gains were in the common stocks of

three

U.S. financial institutions. The bonds have a maturity date in

2039

and are classified as “Current assets” because they are available for sale. At

September 30, 2016,

the Company had marketable securities at fair market value of approximately

$166,634,000,

including approximately

$108,256,000

of unrealized net gains before taxes of

$42,250,000.

Investment in Financial Instruments

	September 30, 20 17						September 30, 201 6
	Aggregate fair value		Amortized/ Adjusted cost basis		Pretax unrealized gains		Aggregate fair value		Amortized/ Adjusted cost basis		Pretax unrealized gains
Marketable securities
Common stocks	$	220,973,000	$	58,449,000	$	162,524,000	$	158,462,000	$	53,436,000	$	105,026,000
Bonds		8,292,000		4,944,000		3,348,000		8,172,000		4,942,000		3,230,000
	$	229,265,000	$	63,393,000	$	165,872,000	$	166,634,000	$	58,378,000	$	108,256,000

he Company perform

ed separate evaluations for equity securities

with a fair value at

September 30, 2017

and

2016

below cost to determine if the unrealized losses

were other-than-temporary. This evaluation

considered a number of factors including, but

not

limited to, the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer

the Company’s ability and intent to hold the securities until fair value recovers

, and the length of time and extent to which the fair value ha

d been less than cost. The assessment of the ability and intent to hold these securities to recovery focuses on liquidity

needs, asset/liability management and portfolio objectives.

Based on the result of th

e evaluation,

the Company concluded that as of

September 30, 2017

and

2016,

the unrealized loss related to

such marketable securities was temporary.

may

be deemed excessive even in instances where the Company possesses the ability and intent to hold the security. However, the recording of these impairment losses does

not

necessarily indicate that the loss in value of these securities is permanent.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Intangible Assets:

September 30, 2017

and

2016,

intangible assets were composed of (i) customer relationships of

$2,776,000

and

$7,166,000

(net of the accumulated amortization expenses of

$19,174,000

and

$14,938,000

), respectively, and (ii) developed technology of

$282,000

and

$787,000

(net of accumulated amortization expenses of

$2,243,000

and

$1,738,000

), respectively. These intangible assets are being amortized over

five

years based on their estimated useful lives. Future annual intangible amortization costs are estimated to be approximately

$3,058,000

for fiscal

2018

and

none

thereafter. Intangible amortization expense was

$4,895,000,

$5,037,000

and

$4,907,000

for fiscal

2017,

2016

and

2015,

respectively.

Intangible Assets

	September 30, 201 7									September 30, 201 6
	Customer Relationships			Developed Technology			Total			Customer Relationships			Developed Technology			Total

Gross intangible	$	21,950,000		$	2,525,000		$	24,475,000		$	22,104,000		$	2,525,000		$	24,629,000
Accumulated amortization		(19,174,000	)		(2,243,000	)		(21,417,000	)		(14,938,000	)		(1,738,000	)		(16,676,000	)
	$	2,776,000		$	282,000		$	3,058,000		$	7,166,000		$	787,000		$	7,953,000

Goodwill:

The Company accounts for goodwill in accordance with ASC

350,

Intangibles — Goodwill and Other

. Goodwill is

not

amortized for financial statement purposes but evaluated for impairment annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the value

may

not

substantive changes during the current year and

indication of impairment. In making this assessment, the Company only considered Journal Technologies’ assets and their revenue generating abilities as required by ASC

350.

September 30, 2017

and

2016,

there was goodwill of

$13,400,000.

Prepaid and Other Current Assets Policy [Policy Text Block]

Prepaid

Expenses

and Other

Current

Assets:

Included in other assets are in-progress installation service costs of

$350,000

as of

September 30, 2017

and

2016

for the legacy projects from the acquisition for which revenues have

not

yet been recognized and are deferred.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventories:

Inventories, comprised of newsprint and paper, are stated at cost, on a

first

-in,

first

-out basis, which does

not

exceed current market value.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property, plant and equipment:

–

years. At

September 30, 2017,

the estimated useful lives were (i)

–

years for building and improvements, (ii)

–

years for furniture, office equipment and software, and (iii)

–

$691,000,

$672,000

and

$624,000

for fiscal

2017,

2016

and

2015,

respectively.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:

The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset

may

not

be recoverable. There were

such impairments identified during fiscal

2017,

2016

and

2015.

Research, Development, and Computer Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Journal Technologies

’ Software Development Costs:

not

limited to, anticipated future product revenue, estimated economic life and changes in hardware and software technology.

The Company believes its process for developing software is essentially completed concurrent with the establishment of technological feasibility, and accordingly,

software development costs have been capitalized to date.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition:

Journal Technologies recognizes revenues in accordance with the provisions of ASC

985

605,

Software—Revenue Recognition

longer at risk of refund and are therefore considered earned.

Journal Technologies has established Vendor Specific Objective Evidence (VSOE) of fair value of the annual maintenance

Approximately

58%,

56%

and

57%

of the Company’s revenues in fiscal

2017,

2016

and

2015,

respectively, were derived from sales of software licenses, annual software licenses, maintenance and support agreements and consulting services that typically include implementation and training.

The change in allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Description	Balance at Beginning of Year		Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses		Accounts Charged off less Recoveries			Balance at End of Year
Fiscal 2017
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	200,000	$	33,000	$	(33,000	)	$	200,000
Fiscal 2016
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	250,000	$	5,000	$	(55,000	)	$	200,000
Fiscal 2015
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	250,000	$	61,000	$	(61,000	)	$	250,000

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

Management Incentive Plan:

In fiscal

1987,

the Company implemented a Management Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”) that entitles a participant to participate in pretax earnings before adjustment for certain items of the Company. In

2003,

the Company modified the Incentive Plan to provide participants with

three

nine

years provided they remain with the Company or are in retirement after working for the Company to age

65.

If a participant dies while any of his or her certificates remain outstanding, future payments under those certificates will be made to the deceased participant’s beneficiaries.

In fiscal

2015,

after combining Sustain, New Dawn and ISD into

one

2015,

year period of the certificate, the Company recognizes the future commitments at each fiscal year-end over the period from the grant date through retirement eligibility.

Certificate interests entitled participants to

receive

5.12%,

4.49%

and

4.13%

(amounting to

$268,250,

$271,350

and

$198,915,

respectively) of Daily Journal non-consolidated income before taxes, workers’ compensation, supplemental compensation and certain other items,

8.53%,

8.30%

and

7.07%

(amounting to

$0,

and

$10,600

for fiscal

2017,

2016

and

2015,

respectively) for Journal Technologies and

8.2%,

8.2%

and

8.2%

(amounting to

$0,

and

$0,

respectively) for Daily Journal consolidated in fiscal

2017,

2016

and

2015.

The Company accrued

$135,000

and

$62,000

as of

September 30, 2017

and

2016,

respectively, for the Plan’s future commitment for those who will still have Certificates at the age of

65.

This future commitment included an increase in the accrual in fiscal

2017

$75,000

$.06

per outstanding share on an adjusted pretax basis as compared with an increase in fiscal

2016

$15,000

$.01

per outstanding share due to increased estimated future pretax income. The estimated Incentive Plan’s future commitment is calculated using Level

inputs, as defined in the fair value hierarchy, based on an average of the past year and the current year pretax earnings before certain items, discounted to the present value at

since each granted Unit will expire over its remaining life term of up to

years.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income taxes:

740

two

-step approach. The

first

step requires an entity to evaluate whether the tax position would “more likely than

not”

be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority. The

second

step requires the tax position be measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than

50%

likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. In addition, previously recognized benefits from tax positions that

longer meet the new criteria would be derecognized.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Net

(loss)

income per common share

The net (loss) income per common share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each year. The shares used in the calculation were

1,380,746

for fiscal

2017,

2016

and

2015.

The Company does

not

have any common stock equivalents, and therefore basic and diluted net income per share is the same.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates:

inputs, as defined in the fair value hierarchy, based on an average of the past year’s and the current year’s pretax earnings, discounted to the present value at

since each granted Unit will expire over its remaining life term of up to

years. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

New Accounting Pronouncements:

November 2015,

the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU)

No.

2015

17,

Income Taxes (Topic

740

): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes

. This update requires deferred tax liabilities and assets to be classified as noncurrent in the consolidated balance sheet. The standard is required to be adopted for annual periods beginning after

December 15, 2016,

including interim periods within that annual period, which is the Company’s fiscal

2018.

The Company has adopted this guidance effective

October 1, 2017

and concluded that it has

May 2014,

the FASB issued ASU

No.

2014

09,

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (

ASC

Topic

606

)

. This update clarifies the principles for revenue recognition in transactions involving contracts with customers. The new revenue recognition guidance provides a

five

August 2015,

the FASB issued ASU

No.

2015

14,

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic

606

): Deferral of Effective Date

. This update defers the mandatory effective date of its revenue recognition standard by

one

year. The standard is required to be adopted for annual periods beginning after

December 15, 2017,

including interim periods within that annual period, which is the Company’s fiscal

2019.

Early application is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after

December 15, 2016,

and interim periods within that annual period, which is the Company’s fiscal

2018.

March 2016,

the FASB issued ASU

No.

2016

08,

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC Topic

606

): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)

, providing guidance regarding the application of ASU

2014

when another party, along with the reporting entity, is involved in providing a good or a service to a customer. In

April 2016,

the FASB issued ASU

No.

2016

10,

Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing

, which clarifies the identification of performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance. In

May 2016,

the FASB further issued ASU

No.

2016

12,

Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients

No.

2014

09,

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

, will be the Company’s fiscal

2019

annual and interim periods.

The Company has completed its preliminary evaluation of these ASUs and concluded that the adoption of these ASUs in fiscal

2018

will

not

have significant impact on the Company

’s financial condition, results of operations or disclosures because the Company has been utilizing the completed performance method of accounting, pursuant to which the Company does

not

ASU

No.

2014

09,

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic

606

)

which calls for revenue recognition at the point of delivery when a performance obligation is fulfilled. Consequently, the Company believes there are

January 2016,

FASB issued “ASU”

No.

2016

01,

Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic

825

): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

December 15, 2017,

including interim periods within that annual period, which is the Company’s fiscal

2019.

The Company plans to begin its assessment in fiscal

2018

to evaluate what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU

may

have on its financial condition, results of operations or disclosures.

January 2017,

FASB issued ASU

No.

2017

04,

Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic

350

): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment

. This ASU simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step

from the goodwill impairment test and requiring impairment charges to be based on Step

December 15, 2019,

which is the Company’s fiscal

2021.

Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim goodwill impairment testing dates after

January 1, 2017.

The Company has

not

yet evaluated what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU

may

have on its financial condition, results of operations or disclosures because it is

not

required to be adopted for several years.

February 2016,

the FASB issued ASU

2016

02,

Leases (Topic

842

)

December 15, 2018,

including interim periods within that annual period, which is the Company’s fiscal year

2020.

The Company has

not

yet evaluated what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance

may

have on its financial condition, results of operations or disclosures.

other new accounting pronouncement issued or effective has had, or is expected to have, a material impact on the Company

’s consolidated financial statements.

XML 28 R17.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

	September 30, 20 17						September 30, 201 6
	Aggregate fair value		Amortized/ Adjusted cost basis		Pretax unrealized gains		Aggregate fair value		Amortized/ Adjusted cost basis		Pretax unrealized gains
Marketable securities
Common stocks	$	220,973,000	$	58,449,000	$	162,524,000	$	158,462,000	$	53,436,000	$	105,026,000
Bonds		8,292,000		4,944,000		3,348,000		8,172,000		4,942,000		3,230,000
	$	229,265,000	$	63,393,000	$	165,872,000	$	166,634,000	$	58,378,000	$	108,256,000

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]

	September 30, 201 7									September 30, 201 6
	Customer Relationships			Developed Technology			Total			Customer Relationships			Developed Technology			Total

Gross intangible	$	21,950,000		$	2,525,000		$	24,475,000		$	22,104,000		$	2,525,000		$	24,629,000
Accumulated amortization		(19,174,000	)		(2,243,000	)		(21,417,000	)		(14,938,000	)		(1,738,000	)		(16,676,000	)
	$	2,776,000		$	282,000		$	3,058,000		$	7,166,000		$	787,000		$	7,953,000

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Table Text Block]

Description	Balance at Beginning of Year		Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses		Accounts Charged off less Recoveries			Balance at End of Year
Fiscal 2017
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	200,000	$	33,000	$	(33,000	)	$	200,000
Fiscal 2016
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	250,000	$	5,000	$	(55,000	)	$	200,000
Fiscal 2015
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	250,000	$	61,000	$	(61,000	)	$	250,000

XML 29 R18.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Note 3 - Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]

	2017			2016			2015
Current:
Federal	$	(2,570,000	)	$	(268,000	)	$	458,000
State		(6,000	)		(30,000	)		(271,000	)
		(2,576,000	)		(298,000	)		187,000
Deferred:
Federal		(3,854,000	)		(1,369,000	)		(1,053,000	)
State		(720,000	)		(268,000	)		(254,000	)
		(4,574,000	)		(1,637,000	)		(1,307,000	)
	$	(7,150,000	)	$	(1,935,000	)	$	(1,120,000	)

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

	2017			2016			2015

Statutory federal income tax rate		34.0	%		34.0	%		34.0	%
State franchise taxes (net of federal tax benefit)		6.2			5.2			(23.3	)
State enterprise zone benefits		---			---			134.9
Business meals/gifts		(0.8	)		(2.3	)		(18.8	)
Domestic production activity deduction		---			---			(2.2	)
Dividends received deduction		10.0			24.5			225.7
Reversal of uncertain and unrecognized tax position		37.6			---			---
Penalties for uncertain and unrecognized tax benefits		2.0			---			---
Prior year true-up		1.0			(2.0	)		(7.3	)
Foreign tax credits		2.0			4.0			28.4
Effect of state rate change on beginning balance of deferred tax liabilities		(0.3	)		1.4			(5.0	)
Others		(3.0	)		0.2			(5.5	)
Effective tax rate		88.7	%		65.0	%		360.9	%

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]

	2017			2016			2015
Deferred tax assets attributable to:
Accrued liabilities, including supplemental compensation and vacation pay accrual	$	(69,000	)	$	455,000		$	605,000
Impairment losses on investments		1,376,000			1,382,000			1,369,000
Bad debt reserves not yet deductible		62,000			62,000			82,000
Depreciation and amortization		5,977,000			4,549,000			3,251,000
Deferred revenues		1,431,000			1,555,000			1,378,000
Credits and other		4,403,000			1,519,000			869,000
Total deferred tax assets		13,180,000			9,522,000			7,554,000

Deferred tax liabilities attributable to:
Unrealized gains on investments		(64,550,000	)		(42,250,000	)		(43,278,000	)
Goodwill		(311,000	)		(1,227,000	)		(896,000	)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(64,861,000	)		(43,477,000	)		(44,174,000	)
Net deferred income taxes	$	(51,681,000	)	$	(33,955,000	)	$	(36,620,000	)

Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]

	2017			2016			2015

Beginning balance	$	2,723,000		$	2,991,000		$	3,244,000
Added liability for the prior year		---			---			---
Added liability for the current year		---			---			---
Tax payment upon settlement		---			---			---
Reversal/r educed liability for the current year		(2,723,000	)		(268,000	)		(253,000	)
Ending balance	$	---		$	2,723,000		$	2,991,000

XML 30 R19.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Note 4 - Debts and Commitments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block]

	Payments due by Fiscal Year
	2018		2019		2020		2021		2022		2023 and after		Total
Real estate loan	$	115,000	$	124,000	$	126,000	$	133,000	$	139,000	$	1,434,000	$	2,071,000
Obligations under operating leases		858,000		689,000		308,000		19,000		---		---		1,874,000
Long-term accrued liabilities*		---		23,000		9,000		5,000		4,000		94,000		135,000
	$	973,000	$	836,000	$	443,000	$	157,000	$	143,000	$	1,528,000	$	4,080,000

XML 31 R20.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Note 6 - Reportable Segments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]

	Reportable Segments
	Traditional Business			Journal Technologies			Corporate income and expenses			Total
Fiscal 2017
Revenues
Advertising, net	$	9,104,000		$	---		$	---		$	9,104,000
Circulation		5,654,000			---			---			5,654,000
Advertising service fees and other		2,812,000			---			---			2,812,000
Licensing and maintenance fees		---			16,037,000			---			16,037,000
Consulting fees		---			4,476,000			---			4,476,000
Other public service fees		---			3,301,000			---			3,301,000
Operating expenses		17,852,000			36,699,000			---			54,551,000
Loss from operations		(282,000	)		(12,885,000	)		---			(13,167,000	)
Dividends and interest income		---			---			4,844,000			4,844,000
Other income		22,000			---			12,000			34,000
Interest expense on note payable collateralized by real estate		(100,000	)		---			---			(100,000	)
Interest expense on margin loans		---			---			(422,000	)		(422,000	)
Interest and penalty expense reversal for uncertain and unrecognized tax benefits		---			743,000			---			743,000
Pretax (loss) income		(360,000	)		(12,142,000	)		4,434,000			(8,068,000	)
Income tax benefit (expense)		(2,000	)		7,910,000			(758,000	)		7,150,000
Net (loss) income		(362,000	)		(4,232,000	)		3,676,000			(918,000	)
Total assets		17,474,000			33,461,000			229,265,000			280,200,000
Capital expenditures		160,000			93,000			---			253,000
Amortization of intangible assets		---			4,895,000			---			4,895,000

	Reportable Segments
	Traditional Business			Journal Technologies			Corporate income and expenses			Total
Fiscal 2016
Revenues
Advertising, net	$	9,854,000		$	---		$	---		$	9,854,000
Circulation		5,912,000			---			---			5,912,000
Advertising service fees and other		2,651,000			---			---			2,651,000
Licensing and maintenance fees		---			14,758,000			---			14,758,000
Consulting fees		---			4,085,000			---			4,085,000
Other public service fees		---			4,352,000			---			4,352,000
Operating expenses		17,240,000			31,012,000			---			48,252,000
Income (loss) from operations		1,177,000			(7,817,000	)		---			(6,640,000	)
Dividends and interest income		---			---			4,085,000			4,085,000
Other income		52,000			---			9,000			61,000
Interest expense on note payable collateralized by real estate		(88,000	)		---			---			(88,000	)
Interest expense on margin loans		---			---			(284,000	)		(284,000	)
Interest expense accrued for uncertain and unrecognized tax benefits		---			(112,000	)		---			(112,000	)
Pretax income (loss)		1,141,000			(7,929,000	)		3,810,000			(2,978,000	)
Income tax benefit (expense)		(530,000	)		3,140,000			(675,000	)		1,935,000
Net income (loss)		611,000			(4,789,000	)		3,135,000			(1,043,000	)
Total assets		19,026,000			39,786,000			166,634,000			225,446,000
Capital expenditures, including purchase of Logan building		3,662,000			117,000			---			3,779,000
Amortization of intangible assets		142,000			4,895,000			---			5,037,000

	Reportable Segments
	Traditional Business			Journal Technologies			Corporate income and expenses			Total
Fiscal 2015
Revenues
Advertising, net	$	10,502,000		$	---		$	---		$	10,502,000
Circulation		5,915,000			---			---			5,915,000
Advertising service fees and other		2,703,000			---			---			2,703,000
Licensing and maintenance fees		---			13,984,000			---			13,984,000
Consulting fees		---			4,704,000			---			4,704,000
Other public service fees		---			6,170,000			---			6,170,000
Operating expenses		18,038,000			29,452,000			---			47,490,000
Income (loss) from operations		1,082,000			(4,594,000	)		---			(3,512,000	)
Dividends and interest income		---			---			3,829,000			3,829,000
Other income and capital gains		---			---			69,000			69,000
Interest expense on margin loans		---			---			(224,000	)		(224,000	)
Interest expense accrued for uncertain and unrecognized tax benefits		---			(96,000	)		---			(96,000	)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments		---			---			(376,000	)		(376,000	)
Pretax income (loss)		1,082,000			(4,690,000	)		3,298,000			(310,000	)
Income tax benefit (expense)		(70,000	)		1,580,000			(390,000	)		1,120,000
Net income (loss)		1,012,000			(3,110,000	)		2,908,000			810,000
Total assets		15,047,000			47,108,000			166,041,000			228,196,000
Capital expenditures		425,000			140,000			---			565,000
Amortization of intangible assets		12,000			4,895,000			---			4,907,000

XML 32 R21.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Note 7 Results of Operations by Quarter (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]

	Quarter ended
	December 31			March 31			June 30			September 30
	(in thousands except per share amounts)
2017
Revenues	$	9,990		$	10,279		$	10,201		$	10,914
Costs and expenses		12,843			13,545			13,834			14,329
Loss from operations		(2,853	)		(3,266	)		(3,633	)		(3,415	)
Other income, net		1,072			2,005			817			1,205
Income (loss) before taxes		(1,781	)		(1,261	)		(2,816	)		(2,210	)
Benefits from income taxes		310			4,240			1,465			1,135
Net income (loss)		(1,471	)		2,979			(1,351	)		(1,075	)
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share		(1.07	)		2.16			(.98	)		(.77	)
2016
Revenues	$	10,815		$	11,442		$	10,338		$	9,017
Costs and expenses		11,777			12,018			12,120			12,337
Loss from operations		(962	)		(576	)		(1,782	)		(3,320	)
Other income, net		827			728			1,159			948
Income (loss) before taxes		(135	)		152			(623	)		(2,372	)
Benefits from income taxes		185			55			285			1,410
Net income (loss)		50			207			(338	)		(962	)
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share		.04			.15			(.25	)		(.70	)

XML 33 R22.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 229,265,000	$ 166,634,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss)	165,872,000	108,256,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investments	64,550,000	42,250,000	$ 43,278,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	3,058,000	7,953,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ 21,417,000	16,676,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	$ 3,058,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year one	0
Amortization of Intangible Assets	4,895,000	5,037,000	4,907,000
Goodwill	13,400,000	13,400,000
Depreciation	$ 691,000	$ 672,000	$ 624,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	6.00%
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted	1,380,746	1,380,746	1,380,746
Management Incentive Plan, Future Commitment [Member]
Other Accrued Liabilities	$ 135,000	$ 62,000
Increase (Decrease) in Other Accrued Liabilities	$ 75,000	$ 15,000
Other Accrued Liabilities Impact on Earnings Per Share	$ 0.06	$ 0.01
Daily Journal Non-Consolidated [Member]
Management Incentive Plan Total Percentage of Pre Tax Earnings	5.12%	4.49%	4.13%
Management Incentive Plan Total Amount Paid	$ 268,250	$ 271,350	$ 198,915
Journal Technologies [Member]
Management Incentive Plan Total Percentage of Pre Tax Earnings	8.53%	8.30%	7.07%
Management Incentive Plan Total Amount Paid	$ 0	$ 0	$ 10,600
Daily Journal Consolidated [Member]
Management Incentive Plan Total Percentage of Pre Tax Earnings	8.20%	8.20%	8.20%
Management Incentive Plan Total Amount Paid	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Product Concentration Risk [Member] \| Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	58.00%	56.00%	57.00%
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Minimum [Member] \| Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Minimum [Member] \| Furniture, Office Equipment, and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Minimum [Member] \| Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	39 years
Maximum [Member] \| Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	39 years
Maximum [Member] \| Furniture, Office Equipment, and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Maximum [Member] \| Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] \| New Dawn [Member]
Deferred Set-up Costs, Current	$ 350,000	$ 350,000
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	2,776,000	7,166,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	19,174,000	14,938,000
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	282,000	787,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ 2,243,000	$ 1,738,000

XML 34 R23.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Investment in Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Marketable securities, fair value	$ 229,265,000	$ 166,634,000
Marketable securities, amortized cost	63,393,000	58,378,000
Marketable securities, gross unrealized gains	165,872,000	108,256,000
Common Stock [Member]
Marketable securities, fair value	220,973,000	158,462,000
Marketable securities, amortized cost	58,449,000	53,436,000
Marketable securities, gross unrealized gains	162,524,000	105,026,000
Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Marketable securities, fair value	8,292,000	8,172,000
Marketable securities, amortized cost	4,944,000	4,942,000
Marketable securities, gross unrealized gains	$ 3,348,000	$ 3,230,000

XML 35 R24.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Gross intangible	$ 24,475,000	$ 24,629,000
Accumulated amortization	(21,417,000)	(16,676,000)
	3,058,000	7,953,000
Customer Relationships [Member]
Gross intangible	21,950,000	22,104,000
Accumulated amortization	(19,174,000)	(14,938,000)
	2,776,000	7,166,000
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Gross intangible	2,525,000	2,525,000
Accumulated amortization	(2,243,000)	(1,738,000)
	$ 282,000	$ 787,000

XML 36 R25.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Balance at beginning of year	$ 200,000	$ 250,000	$ 250,000
Additions charged to costs and expenses	33,000	5,000	61,000
Accounts charged off less recoveries	(33,000)	(55,000)	(61,000)
Balance at end of year	$ 200,000	$ 200,000	$ 250,000

XML 37 R26.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			24 Months Ended
Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		$ (1,135,000)	$ (1,465,000)	$ (4,240,000)	$ (310,000)	$ (1,410,000)	$ (285,000)	$ (55,000)	$ (185,000)	$ (7,150,000)	$ (1,935,000)	$ (1,120,000)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest		$ (2,210,000)	$ (2,816,000)	(1,261,000)	$ (1,781,000)	(2,372,000)	$ (623,000)	$ 152,000	$ (135,000)	$ (8,068,000)	$ (2,978,000)	$ (310,000)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent										88.70%	65.00%	360.90%
Liability for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, Noncurrent						$ 2,723,000					$ 2,723,000	$ 2,991,000	$ 2,723,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Accumulated Reduction	$ 743,000			$ 743,000
Deferred Tax Liability, Reversal	$ 352,000
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable										$ (2,723,000)	(268,000)	(253,000)	$ (521,000)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense										$ (743,000)	$ 112,000	96,000
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] \| Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Open Tax Year										2015
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] \| Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Open Tax Year										2013
California Enterprise Zone Credits [Member]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest												$ 400,000

XML 38 R27.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Note 3 - Income Taxes - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Current:
Federal									$ (2,570,000)	$ (268,000)	$ 458,000
State									(6,000)	(30,000)	(271,000)
									(2,576,000)	(298,000)	187,000
Deferred:
Federal									(3,854,000)	(1,369,000)	(1,053,000)
State									(720,000)	(268,000)	(254,000)
									(4,574,000)	(1,637,000)	(1,307,000)
	$ (1,135,000)	$ (1,465,000)	$ (4,240,000)	$ (310,000)	$ (1,410,000)	$ (285,000)	$ (55,000)	$ (185,000)	$ (7,150,000)	$ (1,935,000)	$ (1,120,000)

XML 39 R28.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Note 3 - Income Taxes - Summary of the Difference Between Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate and Effective Rate (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statutory federal income tax rate	34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
State franchise taxes (net of federal tax benefit)	6.20%	5.20%	(23.30%)
State enterprise zone benefits			134.90%
Business meals/gifts	(0.80%)	(2.30%)	(18.80%)
Domestic production activity deduction			(2.20%)
Dividends received deduction	10.00%	24.50%	225.70%
Reversal of uncertain and unrecognized tax position	37.60%
Penalties for uncertain and unrecognized tax benefits	2.00%
Prior year true-up	1.00%	(2.00%)	(7.30%)
Foreign tax credits	2.00%	4.00%	28.40%
Effect of state rate change on beginning balance of deferred tax liabilities	(0.30%)	1.40%	(5.00%)
Others	(3.00%)	0.20%	(5.50%)
Effective tax rate	88.70%	65.00%	360.90%

XML 40 R29.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Note 3 - Income Taxes - Deferred Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Deferred tax assets attributable to:
Accrued liabilities, including supplemental compensation and vacation pay accrual	$ (69,000)	$ 455,000	$ 605,000
Impairment losses on investments	1,376,000	1,382,000	1,369,000
Bad debt reserves not yet deductible	62,000	62,000	82,000
Depreciation and amortization	5,977,000	4,549,000	3,251,000
Deferred revenues	1,431,000	1,555,000	1,378,000
Credits and other	4,403,000	1,519,000	869,000
Total deferred tax assets	13,180,000	9,522,000	7,554,000
Deferred tax liabilities attributable to:
Unrealized gains on investments	(64,550,000)	(42,250,000)	(43,278,000)
Goodwill	(311,000)	(1,227,000)	(896,000)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(64,861,000)	(43,477,000)	(44,174,000)
Net deferred income taxes	$ (51,681,000)	$ (33,955,000)	$ (36,620,000)

XML 41 R30.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Note 3 - Income Taxes - Uncertain Tax Liability (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Beginning balance	$ 2,723,000	$ 2,991,000	$ 3,244,000
Added liability for the prior year
Added liability for the current year
Tax payment upon settlement
Reversal/reduced liability for the current year	(2,723,000)	(268,000)	(253,000)
Ending balance		$ 2,723,000	$ 2,991,000

XML 42 R31.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Note 4 - Debts and Commitments (Details Textual)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Note 4 - Debts and Commitments (Details Textual)	Nov. 30, 2015 USD ($) ft² a	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($) ft²	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($) ft²	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment		$ 253,000	$ 3,779,000	$ 565,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense		$ 742,000	$ 745,000	$ 1,171,000
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate		6.00%
Long Term Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate		6.00%
San Francisco Office [Member]
Area of Real Estate Property \| ft²					6,200
Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term					5 years
Operating Lease, Monthly Rent					$ 25,000
Englewood, Colorado Office [member]
Area of Real Estate Property \| ft²		9,800
Utah [Member] \| Building [Member]
Area of Real Estate Property \| ft²	30,700
Utah [Member] \| Land [Member]
Area of Land \| a	3.6
Utah [Member] \| Land and Building [Member]
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	$ 1,240,000
Margin Account [Member]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt						$ 29,500,000
Margin Account [Member] \| Fed Funds Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate						0.50%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage		1.75%
Real Estate Bank Loan Secured by Logan Office [Member]
Loans Payable to Bank	$ 2,260,000	$ 2,070,000
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	4.66%
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	$ 17,600

XML 43 R32.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Note 4 - Debts and Commitments - Future Obligations (Details)

Sep. 30, 2017

USD ($)

$ 858,000

689,000

308,000

19,000

1,874,000

973,000

836,000

443,000

157,000

143,000

1,528,000

Real Estate Loan [Member]

4,080,000

115,000

124,000

126,000

133,000

139,000

1,434,000

Long Term Accrued Liabilities [Member]

2,071,000

^[1]

23,000

^[1]

9,000

^[1]

5,000

^[1]

4,000

^[1]

94,000

^[1]