Commitments and contingencies (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 System Development [Member]	Sep. 30, 2004 Development Agreement with Customer [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Past Obligations Settlement Terms [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Past Obligations Settlement Terms [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Abramowitz Vs Neah Power Systems [Member]	Jan. 20, 2010 Abramowitz Vs Neah Power Systems [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Smith and McGovern Litigation [Member]
Proceeds from Customers				$ 344,000
Recognition of Deferred Revenue			189,500	154,500
Deferred Revenue		189,500
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Monthly Rental Payments	9,500
Contractual Obligation						350,000
Registration Payment Arrangement, Maximum Potential Consideration						195,000
Lease Obligation, Amount Paid						35,000
Obligation To Landlord Settlement Amount To Be Paid InInstallments					160,000
Registration Payment Arrangement, Gains and Losses	197,311
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	141,643	260,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	140,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	12,000
Estimated Litigation Liability							45,000	275,000
Malpractice Loss Contingency, Settlement of Claims							128,000
Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement							231,000
Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Consideration									$ 67,000