Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Note 1 – Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies *Description of business* ADDvantage Technologies Group, Inc. through its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) sells new, surplus-new, and refurbished cable television equipment throughout North America, Central America, South America and, to a substantially lesser extent, other international regions that utilize the same technology. In addition, the Company is also a repair center for various cable companies. *Summary of Significant Accounting Policies* Principles of consolidation and segment reporting The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ADDvantage Technologies Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries: Tulsat Corporation, Tulsat-Atlanta LLC, ADDvantage Technologies Group of Nebraska, Inc. (dba Tulsat-Nebraska), ADDvantage Technologies Group of Texas, Inc. (dba Tulsat-Texas), NCS Industries, Inc., ADDvantage Technologies Group of Missouri, Inc. (dba ComTech Services) and Adams Global Communications, LLC. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In addition, each subsidiary represents a separate operating segment of the Company and is aggregated for segment reporting purposes. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents includes demand and time deposits, money market funds and other marketable securities with maturities of three months or less when acquired. Accounts receivable Trade receivables are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering a customer’s financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions. Trade receivables are written off against the allowance when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of trade receivables previously written off are recorded when received. The Company generally does not charge interest on past due accounts. Inventory valuation Inventory consists of new and used electronic components for the cable television industry. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market with market defined principally as net realizable value. Cost is determined using the weighted-average method. The Company records inventory reserve provisions to reflect inventory at its estimated realizable value based on a review of inventory quantities on hand, historical sales volumes and technology changes. These reserves are to provide for items that are potentially slow-moving, excess or obsolete. Property and equipment Property and equipment consists of software, office equipment, warehouse and service equipment and buildings with estimated useful lives generally of 3 years, 5 years, 10 years and 40 years, respectively. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the remainder of the lease agreement. Gains or losses from the ordinary sale or retirement of property and equipment are recorded in other income (expense). Repairs and maintenance costs are generally expensed as incurred, whereas major improvements are capitalized. Depreciation and amortization expense was $0.3 million, $0.4 million and $0.4 million for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of the assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is evaluated at least annually for impairment by first comparing our estimate of the fair value of the reporting unit, or operating segment, with the reporting unit’s carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a computation of the implied fair value of goodwill would then be compared to its related carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, an impairment loss would be recognized in the amount of the excess. Judgments and assumptions are inherent in our estimate of future cash flows used to determine the estimate of the reporting unit’s fair value. The use of alternate judgments and/or assumptions could result in the recognition of different levels of impairment charges in the financial statements. At September 30, 2013 and 2012, the fair value of our reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, so goodwill was not impaired. Income taxes The Company provides for income taxes in accordance with the liability method of accounting. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and tax carryforward amounts. Management provides a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets for amounts which are not considered “more likely than not” to be realized. Revenue recognition and product line reporting The Company’s principal sources of revenues are from sales of new, refurbished or used equipment and repair services. As a distributor for several cable television equipment manufacturers, the Company offers a broad selection of inventoried and non-inventoried products. The Company’s sales of different products fluctuate from year to year as its customers’ needs change. Because the Company’s product line sales change from year to year, the Company does not report sales by product line for management reporting purposes and does not disclose sales by product line in these consolidated financial statements. The Company recognizes revenue for product sales when title transfers, the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the customer, the fee is fixed and determinable and the collection of the related receivable is probable, which is generally at the time of shipment. The stated shipping terms are FOB shipping point per the Company's sales agreements with its customers. Accruals are established for expected returns based on historical activity. Revenue for services is recognized when the repair is completed and the product is shipped back to the customer. Derivatives Derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of the changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in Other Comprehensive Income and are recognized in the income statement when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in other income (expense). The Company's objective of holding derivatives was to minimize the risk of interest rate fluctuation. As of September 30, 2012, the Company no longer holds derivatives. Freight Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling represent revenues earned and are included in net new sales income, net refurbished sales income and net service income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Actual costs for shipping and handling of these sales are included in cost of sales. Advertising costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $0.2 million for each of the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Management estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Any significant, unanticipated changes in product demand, technological developments or continued economic trends affecting the cable industry could have a significant impact on the value of the Company's inventory and operating results. Concentrations of credit risk The Company holds cash with one major financial institution, which at times exceeds FDIC insured limits. Historically, the Company has not experienced any losses due to such concentration of credit risk. Other financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of trade receivables. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited because a large number of geographically diverse customers make up the Company’s customer base, thus spreading the trade credit risk. The Company controls credit risk through credit approvals, credit limits and monitoring procedures. The Company performs in-depth credit evaluations for all new customers but does not require collateral to support customer receivables. The Company had no customer in 2013, 2012 or 2011 that contributed in excess of 10% of the total net sales. The Company’s sales to foreign (non-U.S. based customers) were approximately $3.3 million, $5.7 million and $4.5 million for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In 2013, the Company purchased approximately 18% of its inventory either directly from Cisco or indirectly through their primary stocking distributor and approximately 29% of its inventory from Motorola. The concentration of suppliers of the Company’s inventory subjects the Company to risk. Employee stock-based awards Share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, are recognized in the financial statements based on their grant date fair value over the requisite service period. The Company determines the fair value of the options issued, using the Black-Scholes valuation model, and amortizes the calculated value over the vesting term of the stock options. Compensation expense for stock-based awards is included in the operating, selling, general and administrative expense section of the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Earnings per share Basic earnings per share are based on the sum of the average number of common shares outstanding and issuable restricted and deferred shares. Diluted earnings per share include any dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock and convertible preferred stock. Fair value of financial instruments The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short maturities. The carrying value of the Company’s line of credit and term debt approximates fair value since their interest rates fluctuate periodically based on a floating interest rate.

Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]

Note 1 – Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of business

ADDvantage Technologies Group, Inc. through its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) sells new, surplus-new, and refurbished cable television equipment throughout North America, Central America, South America and, to a substantially lesser extent, other international regions that utilize the same technology. In addition, the Company is also a repair center for various cable companies.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of consolidation and segment reporting

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ADDvantage Technologies Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries: Tulsat Corporation, Tulsat-Atlanta LLC, ADDvantage Technologies Group of Nebraska, Inc. (dba Tulsat-Nebraska), ADDvantage Technologies Group of Texas, Inc. (dba Tulsat-Texas), NCS Industries, Inc., ADDvantage Technologies Group of Missouri, Inc. (dba ComTech Services) and Adams Global Communications, LLC. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In addition, each subsidiary represents a separate operating segment of the Company and is aggregated for segment reporting purposes.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents includes demand and time deposits, money market funds and other marketable securities with maturities of three months or less when acquired.

Accounts receivable

Trade receivables are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering a customer’s financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions. Trade receivables are written off against the allowance when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of trade receivables previously written off are recorded when received. The Company generally does not charge interest on past due accounts.

Inventory valuation

Inventory consists of new and used electronic components for the cable television industry. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market with market defined principally as net realizable value. Cost is determined using the weighted-average method. The Company records inventory reserve provisions to reflect inventory at its estimated realizable value based on a review of inventory quantities on hand, historical sales volumes and technology changes. These reserves are to provide for items that are potentially slow-moving, excess or obsolete.

Property and equipment

Property and equipment consists of software, office equipment, warehouse and service equipment and buildings with estimated useful lives generally of 3 years, 5 years, 10 years and 40 years, respectively. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the remainder of the lease agreement. Gains or losses from the ordinary sale or retirement of property and equipment are recorded in other income (expense). Repairs and maintenance costs are generally expensed as incurred, whereas major improvements are capitalized. Depreciation and amortization expense was $0.3 million, $0.4 million and $0.4 million for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of the assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is evaluated at least annually for impairment by first comparing our estimate of the fair value of the reporting unit, or operating segment, with the reporting unit’s carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a computation of the implied fair value of goodwill would then be compared to its related carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, an impairment loss would be recognized in the amount of the excess. Judgments and assumptions are inherent in our estimate of future cash flows used to determine the estimate of the reporting unit’s fair value. The use of alternate judgments and/or assumptions could result in the recognition of different levels of impairment charges in the financial statements. At September 30, 2013 and 2012, the fair value of our reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, so goodwill was not impaired.

Income taxes

The Company provides for income taxes in accordance with the liability method of accounting. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and tax carryforward amounts. Management provides a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets for amounts which are not considered “more likely than not” to be realized.

Revenue recognition and product line reporting

The Company’s principal sources of revenues are from sales of new, refurbished or used equipment and repair services. As a distributor for several cable television equipment manufacturers, the Company offers a broad selection of inventoried and non-inventoried products. The Company’s sales of different products fluctuate from year to year as its customers’ needs change. Because the Company’s product line sales change from year to year, the Company does not report sales by product line for management reporting purposes and does not disclose sales by product line in these consolidated financial statements.

The Company recognizes revenue for product sales when title transfers, the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the customer, the fee is fixed and determinable and the collection of the related receivable is probable, which is generally at the time of shipment. The stated shipping terms are FOB shipping point per the Company's sales agreements with its customers. Accruals are established for expected returns based on historical activity. Revenue for services is recognized when the repair is completed and the product is shipped back to the customer.

Derivatives

Derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of the changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in Other Comprehensive Income and are recognized in the income statement when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in other income (expense). The Company's objective of holding derivatives was to minimize the risk of interest rate fluctuation. As of September 30, 2012, the Company no longer holds derivatives.

Freight

Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling represent revenues earned and are included in net new sales income, net refurbished sales income and net service income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Actual costs for shipping and handling of these sales are included in cost of sales.

Advertising costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $0.2 million for each of the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Management estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Any significant, unanticipated changes in product demand, technological developments or continued economic trends affecting the cable industry could have a significant impact on the value of the Company's inventory and operating results.

Concentrations of credit risk

The Company holds cash with one major financial institution, which at times exceeds FDIC insured limits. Historically, the Company has not experienced any losses due to such concentration of credit risk.

Other financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of trade receivables. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited because a large number of geographically diverse customers make up the Company’s customer base, thus spreading the trade credit risk. The Company controls credit risk through credit approvals, credit limits and monitoring procedures. The Company performs in-depth credit evaluations for all new customers but does not require collateral to support customer receivables. The Company had no customer in 2013, 2012 or 2011 that contributed in excess of 10% of the total net sales. The Company’s sales to foreign (non-U.S. based customers) were approximately $3.3 million, $5.7 million and $4.5 million for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In 2013, the Company purchased approximately 18% of its inventory either directly from Cisco or indirectly through their primary stocking distributor and approximately 29% of its inventory from Motorola. The concentration of suppliers of the Company’s inventory subjects the Company to risk.

Employee stock-based awards

Share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, are recognized in the financial statements based on their grant date fair value over the requisite service period. The Company determines the fair value of the options issued, using the Black-Scholes valuation model, and amortizes the calculated value over the vesting term of the stock options. Compensation expense for stock-based awards is included in the operating, selling, general and administrative expense section of the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share are based on the sum of the average number of common shares outstanding and issuable restricted and deferred shares. Diluted earnings per share include any dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock and convertible preferred stock.

Fair value of financial instruments

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short maturities. The carrying value of the Company’s line of credit and term debt approximates fair value since their interest rates fluctuate periodically based on a floating interest rate.