Operations and summary of significant accounting policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			36 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation
Selling, general, and administrative expenses include net foreign currency transaction gains (losses)		$ (2,738,000)	$ (480,000)	$ 575,000
Customer deposits recorded against inventory when right of offset exists	0	0			0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0				0
Asset Impairment Charges					0
China Bank Drafts	$ 72,954,000	$ 72,954,000	$ 40,312,000		$ 72,954,000