Note 4 - Income Taxes (Detail) - Deferred tax assets (liabilities) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Pension	$ 1,911	$ 2,142
Goodwill	723	821
Other reserves and accruals	625	483
Inventory reserves and other	713	566
State credits, net of federal benefit	79	86
Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards	30	54
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	1,815	1,898
Foreign tax credits	7	7
Depreciation and amortization	61	111
Gross deferred tax assets	5,964	6,168
Less: valuation allowance	(2,307)	(5,347)
Realizable deferred tax asset	3,657	821
Net deferred tax assets	$ 3,657	$ 821