Note 18 - Fair Value of Financial Measurements and Disclosures - Fair Value of Financial Measurements (Details) - USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value		$ 55,045,000	$ 56,764,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value		0
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Other investments, net	[1]	3,354,000	3,590,000
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents (Level 2)		16,041,000	18,526,000
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value		55,045,000	56,764,000
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Consumer receivables acquired for liquidation (Level 3)		11,884,000	14,320,000
Structured settlements (Level 3)		91,505,000	85,708,000
Other debt – CBC, revolving line of credit (Level 3)		15,264,000	10,154,000
Other debt – CBC, non-recourse notes payable with varying installments (Level 3)		56,302,000	57,281,000
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Other investments, net	[1]	3,354,000	3,590,000
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents (Level 2)		16,041,000	18,526,000
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value		55,045,000	56,764,000
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Consumer receivables acquired for liquidation (Level 3)		45,061,000	47,233,000
Structured settlements (Level 3)		91,505,000	85,708,000
Other debt – CBC, revolving line of credit (Level 3)		15,264,000	10,154,000
Other debt – CBC, non-recourse notes payable with varying installments (Level 3)		$ 56,302,000	$ 57,281,000

[1] The Company has adopted ASU 2015-07 and in accordance with ASU 2015-07, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet.