Note 6 - Pension and Retirement Plans (Detail) - Components of net periodic benefit costs (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Expected return on plan assets	$ (105)	$ (128)	$ (313)	$ (379)
Foreign [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Service cost	15	18	47	54
Interest cost	178	176	534	518
Amortization of:
Amortization of net gain	22	18	66	52
Net periodic benefit cost	110	84	334	245
Foreign [Member]
Expected return on plan assets	(105)	(128)	(313)	(379)
United States [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Service cost	3	3	8	8
Interest cost	20	25	62	74
Amortization of:
Amortization of net gain	8	7	23	23
Net periodic benefit cost	31	35	93	105
United States [Member] | Other Pension Plans, Postretirement or Supplemental Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Service cost		5		15
Interest cost	18	17	53	51
Amortization of:
Amortization of net gain	17	12	53	35
Net periodic benefit cost	35	34	106	101
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Service cost	18	21	55	62
Interest cost	198	201	596	592
Amortization of:
Amortization of net gain	30	25	89	75
Net periodic benefit cost	141	119	427	350
Other Pension Plans, Postretirement or Supplemental Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Service cost		5		15
Interest cost	18	17	53	51
Amortization of:
Amortization of net gain	17	12	53	35
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 35	$ 34	$ 106	$ 101