Note 7 - Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Detail) - Ending Balance Of Intangible Assets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cost	$ 618.0	$ 623.7
Accumulated Amortization	456.4	430.3
Net	161.6	193.4
Patents [Member]
Cost	377.1	379.6
Accumulated Amortization	321.8	310.7
Net	55.3	68.9
Developed Technology [Member]
Cost	128.7	131.9
Accumulated Amortization	72.5	68.3
Net	56.2	63.6
Contracts [Member]
Cost	23.8	23.9
Accumulated Amortization	21.8	21.1
Net	2.0	2.8
Reacquired Rights [Member]
Cost	14.7	14.7
Accumulated Amortization	4.4	3.5
Net	10.3	11.2
Customer Relationship [Member]
Cost	61.2	61.1
Accumulated Amortization	32.0	23.9
Net	29.2	37.2
Trademark [Member]
Cost	12.5	12.5
Accumulated Amortization	3.9	2.8
Net	$ 8.6	$ 9.7