Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Jun. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Astrotech Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiaries that are required to be consolidated. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that directly affect the amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Management continuously evaluates its critical accounting policies and estimates, including those used in evaluating the recoverability of long-lived assets, recognition of revenue, valuation of inventory, and the recognition and measurement of loss contingencies, if any.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Astrotech recognizes revenue employing several generally accepted revenue recognition methodologies. The methodology used is based on contract type and the manner in which products and services are provided. Revenue for sale of manufactured product is recognized when it is realized or realizable and earned. The Company considers revenue realized or realizable and earned when a firm sales contract or invoice is in place, delivery has occurred or services have been provided, and collectability is reasonably assured.
Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts	A portion of the Company’s revenue is derived from contracts to manufacture mass spectrometers to a buyer’s specification. These contracts are accounted for under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 605-35 “Revenue Recognition: Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts”. These contracts are fixed-price and are recorded on the percentage of completion basis using the ratio of costs incurred to estimated total costs at completion as the measurement basis for progress toward completion and revenue recognition. Any losses identified on contracts are recognized immediately. Contract accounting requires significant judgment relative to assessing risks, estimating contract costs and making related assumptions for schedule and technical issues. With respect to contract change orders, claims, or similar items, judgment must be used in estimating related amounts and assessing the potential for realization. These amounts are only included in contract value when they can be reliably estimated and realization is probable. The Company enters into fixed-priced subcontracts on government projects that are one to two years long. Revenue from certain long-term, integrated project management contracts to provide new prototypes and completion services is reported on the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. At the outset of each contract, we prepare a detailed analysis of our estimated cost to complete the project, and our progress is based on the percentage of cost incurred. Risks related to service delivery, usage, productivity, and other factors are considered in the estimation process. The recording of profits and losses on long-term contracts requires an estimate of the total profit or loss over the life of each contract. This estimate requires consideration of total contract value, change orders, and claims, less costs incurred and estimated costs to complete. Anticipated losses on contracts are recorded in full in the period in which they become evident. Profits are recorded based upon the total estimated contract profit times the current percentage complete for the contract.
Research and Development	Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Income from the sale of prototype units in 1^st Detect is booked as an offset to research and development and will continue to be booked accordingly until the Company transitions to full production.
Net Income (Loss) Earnings per Share	Net Income (Loss) Earnings per Share Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share includes all common stock options and other common stock equivalents that potentially may be issued as a result of conversion privileges unless the impact is considered anti-dilutive (see Note 13).
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are comprised primarily of operating cash accounts, money market investments, and certificates of deposits.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable The carrying value of the Company’s accounts receivable, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents their estimated net realizable value. Astrotech estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on type of customer, age of outstanding receivable, historical collection trends, and existing economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that a specific receivable balance may be unrealizable, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances, and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Receivable balances deemed uncollectible are written off against the allowance.
Inventory	Inventory The Company computes inventory cost on a first-in, first-out basis, and inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market. The valuation of inventory also requires the Company to estimate obsolete and excess inventory as well as inventory that is not of saleable quality.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. All furniture, fixtures, and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, which is generally five years. Purchased software is typically depreciated over three years; however, Astral’s proprietary software, Astral HDR ICE™, is being depreciated over seven years as this is management’s best estimate of useful life of this platform. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the term of the lease. Repairs and maintenance are expensed when incurred.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Astrotech’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, investments, and accrued liabilities. The Company’s management believes the carrying amounts of these assets and liabilities approximates their fair value.
Available-for-Sale Investments	Available-for-Sale Investments Investments that are designated as available-for-sale are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income. The Company determines the cost of the investment sold based on a first-in, first-out cost basis at the individual security level. The Company’s investments are subject to a periodic impairment review and are evaluated based on the specific facts and circumstances present at the time of assessment, which include the consideration of general market conditions, the duration and extent to which the fair value is below cost, and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment for a sufficient period of time to allow for recovery of value in the foreseeable future. The Company also considers specific adverse conditions related to the financial health of, and the business outlook for, the investee, which may include industry and sector performance, changes in technology, operational and financing cash flow factors, and changes in the investee’s credit rating. The Company records other than temporary impairments on marketable equity securities and marketable equity method investments in gains (losses) on equity investments, net of gains (losses).
Held-to-Maturity Investments	Held-to-Maturity Investments Investments that are designated as held-to-maturity investments are reported at historical amortized costs. These are investments the Company intends to hold until maturity. The Company’s investments are subject to a periodic impairment review. The Company will write down any investment that the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the instrument. The Company separates other than temporary impairments into amounts representing credit losses, which are recognized in interest and other, net income (expense) items, and amounts related to all other factors, which are recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income.
Operating Leases	Operating Leases The Company leases space under operating leases. Lease agreements often include tenant improvement allowances, rent holidays, and rent escalation clauses, as defined in the respective lease agreements. Most of the Company’s lease agreements include renewal periods at the Company’s option. The Company recognizes rent holiday periods, tenant improvement allowances, and scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the lease term beginning with the date the Company takes possession of the leased property. The Company records tenant improvement allowances and rent holidays as deferred rent liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and amortizes the deferred rent over the terms of the lease to rent expense on the consolidated statements of operations.
Share Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation The Company accounts for share-based awards to employees based on the fair value of the award on the grant date. The fair value of stock options is estimated using the expected dividend yields of the Company’s stock, the expected volatility of the stock, the expected length of time the options remain outstanding, and the risk-free interest rates. Changes in one or more of these factors may significantly affect the estimated fair value of the stock options. The Company recognizes forfeitures as they occur. The fair value of awards that are likely to meet goals, if any, are recorded as an expense over the vesting period (see Note 11 for more information).
Noncontrolling Interest	Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest accounting is applied for any entities where the Company maintains more than 50% and less than 100% ownership. The Company clearly identifies the noncontrolling interest in the balance sheets and income statements. The Company also discloses three measures of net income (loss): net income (loss), net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, and net income (loss) attributable to Astrotech Corporation. The Company’s operating cash flows in its consolidated statements of cash flows reflect net income (loss), while basic and diluted earnings per share calculations reflect net income (loss) attributable to Astrotech Corporation. The noncontrolling interest balance of $(40) thousand and $299 thousand at June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015, respectively, represents an interest by a minority shareholder in one of the Company’s subsidiaries more fully discussed in Note 5.
State of Texas Funding	State of Texas Funding The Company accounted for the State of Texas funding in its majority owned subsidiary 1^st Detect as a contribution of capital and had reflected the $1.8 million in the equity section of the consolidated balance sheet. At June 30, 2014, this represented a noncontrolling interest balance of $1.8 million, which was settled in August 2014 for $2.3 million (see Note 16 for more information).
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method, whereby deferred tax asset or liability account balances are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and the tax bases of assets and liabilities using current tax laws and rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Treasury Stock	Treasury Stock The Company records treasury stock at the cost to acquire it and includes treasury stock as a component of stockholders’ equity.
Accounting Pronouncements	Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014 the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition (as updated by ASU 2015-14 in August 2015 and ASU 2016-08 in March 2016). The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance provides a five-step process to achieve that core principle. ASU 2014-09 requires disclosures enabling users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative disclosures are required about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 was to be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. ASU 2015-14 delayed the required adoption date for public entities to periods beginning after December 15, 2017, although early adoption to the original effective date under ASU 2014-09 is permitted. Once implemented, the Company can use one of two retrospective application methods for prior periods. Earlier application is not permitted. The Company expects this pronouncement to effect the timing of when revenue is recognized, but not the amount. The Company plans to adopt this standard in fiscal year 2019. The Company is still to determine the method of adoption. In July 2015 the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurements of Inventory” (“ASU 2015-11”). ASU 2015-11 requires management to evaluate inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier application is permitted by all entities as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact, if any, on its consolidated financial statements. In November 2015 the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” (“ASU 2015-17”). The amendments in ASU 2015-17 eliminate the current requirement for organizations to present deferred tax liabilities and assets as current and noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. Instead, organizations will be required to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public companies for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The amendments may be applied prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company believes that this ASU will not have a material effect on its financial statements. The Company will adopt ASU 2015-17 in fiscal year 2017. In January 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”). ASU 2016-01 modifies how entities measure equity investments and present changes in the fair value of financial liabilities. Under the new guidance, entities will have to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income unless the investments qualify for the new practicality exception. A practicality exception will apply to those equity investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value and do not qualify for the practical expedient to estimate fair value under ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements,” and as such these investments may be measured at cost. ASU 2016-01 will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018, and subsequent interim periods. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s financial statements. The Company will adopt this ASU in fiscal year 2019. In February 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”). The new standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record an ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is assessing the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on its financial statements. In March 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation - Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”), which involves several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. Under the new standard, income tax benefits and deficiencies are to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement and the tax effects of exercised or vested awards should be treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur. An entity should also recognize excess tax benefits regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the current period. Excess tax benefits should be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity. In regards to forfeitures, the entity may make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest or account for forfeitures when they occur. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. The Company decided to early adopt this guideline as of the beginning of the current fiscal year. It did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. In June 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 amends guidance on reporting credit losses for assets held at amortized cost basis and available-for-sale debt securities. For assets held at amortized cost basis, ASU 2016-13 eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold in current generally accepted accounting standards, and, instead, requires an entity to reflect its current estimate of all expected credit losses. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial assets to present the net amount expected to be collected. For available-for-sale debt securities, credit losses should be measured in a manner similar to current generally accepted accounting standards; however, ASU 2016-13 will require that credit losses be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down. ASU 2016-13 affects entities holding financial assets and net investment in leases that are not accounted for at fair value through net income. This amendment affects loans, debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases, off balance sheet credit exposures, reinsurance receivables, and any other financial assets not excluded from the scope that have the contractual right to receive cash. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its financial statements. In August 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 will make eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The new standard will require adoption on a retrospective basis unless it is impracticable to apply, in which case it would be required to apply the amendments prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements.