Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 20, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	APPLIED DNA SCIENCES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000744452
Trading Symbol	apdn
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Well-Known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		656,935,238
Entity Public Float			$ 23.8
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY