Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Entity Well-Known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents, At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents, end of year Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful amounts of RMB2,714 and RMB6,752 as of September 30, 2011 and 2012, respectively (note 4) Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful amounts of RMB842 and RMB2,714 as of September 30, 2010 and 2011, respectively (note 4) Due From Related Parties, Current Due from inter-companies Due from related parties (note 3) Due from Related Parties, Current, Total Advances On Inventory Purchases Advances to suppliers (note 5) Advances to suppliers Advances To Growers Current Advances to growers Carrying value of capitalized payments made in advance for purchase our seed inventories from production growers to be received within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Inventory, Net Inventories (note 6) Inventories Income Taxes Receivable, Current Income tax recoverable (note 18) Other Assets, Current Other current assets (note 7) Assets, Current Total current assets Total current assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Land use rights, net (note 8) Land use rights, net Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Plant and equipment, net (note 9) Plant and equipment, net Plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Equity Method Investments Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries Equity method investment Equity investments (note 10) Goodwill Goodwill (note 2) Goodwill, Total Balance Balance Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Amount Acquired intangible assets, net Acquired intangible assets, net Acquired intangible assets, net (note 11) Acquired intangible assets, net (note 11) Deferred Tax Assets, Net Of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Deferred income tax assets (note 18) Net non-current deferred income tax assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets (note 12) Other Assets, Noncurrent, Total Assets Total assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Short-Term Debt Short-term borrowings Short-term borrowings (note 13) Short-term borrowings (note 13) Long-Term Debt, Current Maturities Current portion of long-term borrowings Current portion of long-term borrowings (note 13) Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current, Total Due To Growers Current Due to growers Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of obligations due to growers. For classified balance sheets, represents the current portion of such liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Due To Related Parties, Current Due to related parties Due to related parties (note 3) Due to Related Parties, Current, Total Customer Advances, Current Advances from customers Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred revenues Deferred Revenue, Current, Total Accrued Income Taxes, Current Income tax payable Income tax payable (note 18; note 21) Other Payables and Accrued Expenses Current Other payables and accrued expenses Other payables and accrued expenses (note 14) Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and due within one year (or the operating cycle, if longer), including liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received, taxes, interest, rent and utilities, accrued salaries and bonuses, and fringe benefits. Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Long-Term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term borrowings (note 13) Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term borrowings Liabilities, Noncurrent Other long-term liability (note 15) Other long-term liabilities (note 16) Other long-term liabilities (note 16) Liabilities Total liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies (note 21) Stockholders Equity, Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Shareholders' equity: Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock (no par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued) Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Total Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock (no par value; 60,000,000 shares authorized, 23,382,812 and 23,382,812 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2011 and 2012, respectively) Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Additional Paid In Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Beginning Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated deficit Retained earnings (deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Accumulated deficit Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock at cost (498,851 shares) (note 18) Treasury Stock, Value, Beginning Balance Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance Treasury stock at cost (498,851 shares) (note 17) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated other comprehensive loss Stockholders Equity Attributable To Parent Total Origin Agritech Limited shareholders' equity Total Origin Agritech Limited shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance Stockholders Equity Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Non-controlling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Balance Total equity Balance Balance Total stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and equity Total liabilities and equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Balance Sheets Parentheticals [Abstract] Balance Sheets Parentheticals [Abstract] Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Balance Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable (in RMB) Balance Balance Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued, Total Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury stock, shares Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues Revenues Revenues Cost Of Revenue Cost of revenues Cost of revenues Cost of revenues Gross Profit Gross profit Gross profit Operating Expenses [Abstract] Operating expenses Selling and Marketing Expense Selling and marketing Selling and marketing General and Administrative Expense General and administrative General and administrative Research and Development Expense Research and development Research and development Other Cost and Expense, Operating Other income, net Other Cost and Expense, Operating, Total Operating Expenses Total operating expenses, net Total operating expenses, net Total operating expenses, net Operating Income (Loss) Income(loss) from operations Income from operations Interest Expense Interest expense Interest expense Interest expense Investment Income, Dividend Share of net income of equity investments Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) On Disposal Gain on disposal of an equity investment Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal, Total Gain on disposal of an equity investment Gain (Loss) On Sale Of Stock In Subsidiary Loss on liquidation of a subsidiary Loss on liquidation of a subsidiary Investment Income, Interest Interest income Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Profit (loss) before income taxes Income before income taxes Income (loss) before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract] Income tax expense (note 18) Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Current Current Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Deferred income tax assets Deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax expense Income tax expense Income tax expense Income tax expense Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Net income for the year Net profit (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Parent Net income (loss) (numerator), basic and diluted Net income (loss) attributable to Origin Agritech Limited Net income (loss) attributable to Origin Agritech Limited Net income (loss) attributable to Origin Agritech Limited Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax, Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net Of Tax Translation adjustment Foreign currency translation difference Translation adjustment Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax, Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax, Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Non-controlling interests Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax, Attributable To Parent Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Origin Agritech Limited Earnings Per Share, Basic Net income (loss) per share-basic Net income (loss) attributable to Origin Agritech Limited per share basic (note 19) (in dollars per share) Net income (loss) attributable to Origin Agritech Limited per share - basic (note 20) Net income (loss) attributable to Origin Agritech Limited per share - basic (note 20) (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Net income (loss) per share-diluted Net income (loss) attributable to Origin Agritech Limited per share diluted (note 19) (in dollars per share) Net income (loss) attributable to Origin Agritech Limited per share - diluted (note 20) Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average common stock outstanding used in computing basic income per share Shares used in calculating basic net income (loss) per share (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average common stock outstanding used in computing diluted income per share Shares used in calculating diluted net income (loss) per share (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted, Total Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Shares, Outstanding Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Issuance of common stock upon exercise of share options Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Exercises In Period Options exercised Issuance of common stock upon exercise of share options (in shares) Options exercised Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Reallocation Of Noncontrolling Interest Acquisition of additional equity interest in a subsidiary from non-controlling interests Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Share-Based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Share-based compensation expense Share-based compensation expense Noncontrolling Interest, Increase From Business Combination Acquisition of a subsidiary Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Capital Injection From Non Controlling Shareholder Capital injection from a non-controlling shareholder Represents the capital injection from non controlling shareholder. Disposal Of Non Controlling Interest In Subsidiary Disposal of non-controlling interest in a subsidiary The proceeds from sale of non controlling interest in a subsidiary. Noncontrolling Interest, Increase From Equity Issuance Or Sale Of Parent Equity Interest Liquidation of a subsidiary Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease From Distributions To Noncontrolling Interest Holders Dividend paid to non-controlling interests Consolidated Statements Of Equity [Parenthetical] [Abstract] Consolidated Statements Of Equity [Parenthetical] [Abstract] Consolidated Statements Of Equity [Parenthetical]. Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities [Abstract] Operating activities: Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income (Loss) To Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Gain (Loss) On Sale Of Property Plant Equipment Loss (gain) on disposal of plant and equipment Loss (gain) on disposal of plant and equipment Loss (gain) on disposal of plant and equipment Gain (Loss) On Disposition Of Intangible Assets Gain on disposal of a land use right Gain Loss On Sale Of Assets In Subsidiary Loss on disposal of Kunfeng's assets Amount of gain (loss) on sale of assets in subsidiary. Provision For Doubtful Accounts Impairment on receivables Inventory Write-Down Inventory write down Share-Based Compensation Share-based compensation expense Share-based compensation expense Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments Share of net income of equity investments Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Total Share of net income of equity investments Increase (Decrease) In Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) In Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable, net Accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) In Due From Related Parties, Current Due from related parties Due from related parties Due from related parties Increase (Decrease) In Advances To Growers Advances to growers The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of obligations to be paid to the growers. Increase (Decrease) In Advances To Suppliers Advances to suppliers The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in obligations due within one year (or one business cycle) to suppliers other than growers. Increase (Decrease) In Inventories Inventories Inventories Inventories Increase (Decrease) In Income Taxes Receivable Income tax recoverable Income tax recoverable Increase (Decrease) In Other Current Assets Other current assets Other current assets Increase (Decrease) In Other Noncurrent Assets Other assets Other assets Increase (Decrease) In Accounts Payable, Trade Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) In Due To Growers, Current Due to growers The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in current portion (due within one year or one business cycle) of obligations evidenced by growers. Increase (Decrease) In Due To Related Parties, Current Due to related parties Due to related parties Increase (Decrease) In Customer Advances Advances from customers Increase (Decrease) In Deferred Liabilities Deferred revenues Deferred revenues Increase (Decrease) In Income Taxes Payable Income tax payable Increase (Decrease) In Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) In Other Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Other payables and accrued expenses Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities [Abstract] Investing activities: Proceeds From Dividends Received Dividends received Payments To Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchase of plant and equipment Purchase of plant and equipment Purchase of plant and equipment Payments To Acquire Additional Interest In Subsidiaries Liquidation of a subsidiary Liquidation of a subsidiary Proceeds From Sale Of Equity Method Investments Proceeds from disposal of an equity investment Payments To Acquire Equity Method Investments Additional capital injection to an equity investment Additional capital injection to an equity investment Proceeds From Sale Of Intangible Assets Proceeds from disposal of land use right Proceeds From Sale Of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from disposal of plant and equipment Proceeds from disposal of plant and equipment Deposits For Purchase Of Acquired Technology and Land Use Rights Deposits for purchase of acquired technology and land use rights The cash outflow to acquire asset without physical form usually arising from deposits for purchase of acquired technology and land use rights excluding goodwill. Deposits for purchase of acquired technology and land use rights Deposits For Purchase Of Plant and Equipment Deposits for purchase of plant and equipment The cash outflow associated with the deposits for purchase of plant and equipment that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services. Deposits for purchase of plant and equipment Payments To Acquire Businesses, Net Of Cash Acquired Business acquisition, net of cash acquired Business acquisition, net of cash acquired Business acquisition, net of cash acquired Payments To Acquire Land Use Rights Purchase of land use rights Purchase of land use rights The cash outflow to acquire land use rights. Payments To Acquire Intangible Assets Purchase of intangible assets Purchase of intangible assets Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities [Abstract] Financing activities: Proceeds From (Repayments Of) Restricted Cash, Financing Activities Restricted bank deposits Proceeds From Short-Term Debt Proceeds from short-term borrowings Proceeds from short-term borrowings Repayments Of Short-Term Debt Repayment of short-term borrowings Repayments of Short-term Debt, Total Repayment of short-term borrowings Proceeds From Issuance Of Long-Term Debt Proceeds from long-term borrowings Repayments Of Convertible Debt Repurchase of convertible notes Repurchase of convertible notes Payments For Repurchase Of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Acquisition of additional equity interest from non-controlling shareholders Acquisition of additional equity interest from non-controlling shareholders Proceeds From Noncontrolling Interests Capital injection from a non-controlling shareholder Payments Of Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Dividends paid to non-controlling shareholders Dividends paid to non-controlling shareholders Proceeds From Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from exercise of share options Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Effect Of Exchange Rate On Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Total Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Income Taxes Paid Income taxes paid Interest Paid Interest paid Other Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities: Sale Of Assets In Lieu Of Payment For Liabilities Disposal of assets in lieu of payment for liabilities Represents sale of assets in lieu of payment for liabilities. Other Current Assets To Be Received From Liquidation Of Subsidiary Other current assets to be received from liquidation of a subsidiary The fair value of assets to be received from liquidation of a subsidiary in noncash investing or financing activities. Organization, Consolidation and Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Receivable [Abstract] Accounts Receivable [Abstract] Accounts Receivable [Text Block] Accounts Receivable [Text Block] The entire disclosure for information about accounts receivable. Advances To Suppliers [Abstract] Advances To Suppliers [Abstract]