Note 8 - Stock Options and Awards (Detail) - Summary data of nonvested stock award activity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2009
Nonvested shares outstanding, number of nonvested shares	55,849		39,866
Nonvested shares outstanding, weighted average grant date fair value (in Dollars per share)	$ 3.86		$ 3.61
Nonvested shares outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual term	2 years 40 days
Activity in 2012:
Vested at September 30, 2012	63,217
Vested at September 30, 2012 (in Dollars per share)	$ 3.64
Vested at September 30, 2012	116 days
Vested at September 30, 2012 (in Dollars)	$ 283
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2012	99,967
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2012 (in Dollars per share)	$ 3.66
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2012	357 days
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2012 (in Dollars)	448
Activity in 2011:
Granted, number of nonvested shares	38,000	37,000
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in Dollars per share)	$ 3.56	$ 3.97
Vested, number of nonvested shares	(27,766)	(21,017)
Vested, weighted average grant date fair value (in Dollars per share)	$ 3.87	$ 3.58
Forfeited, number of nonvested shares	(29,333)
Nonvested shares outstanding, number of nonvested shares	36,750	55,849	39,866
Nonvested shares outstanding, weighted average grant date fair value (in Dollars per share)	$ 3.68	$ 3.86	$ 3.61
Nonvested shares outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual term	2 years 40 days
Nonvested shares outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value (in Dollars)	$ 165