Note 9 - Pension and Retirement Plans (Detail) - Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Accrued benefit liability	$ (10,148)	$ (9,764)
Deferred tax	42	31
Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,339	3,675	3,219
Net amount recognized	(5,767)	(6,058)
Accumulated benefit obligation	(18,956)	(17,286)
Foreign [Member] | Pension [Member]
Accrued benefit liability	(7,661)	(6,508)
Deferred tax	(233)	31
Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,540	3,376
Net amount recognized	(3,354)	(3,101)
Accumulated benefit obligation	(16,469)	(14,029)
Foreign [Member]
Accrued benefit liability	(7,661)	(6,508)
Deferred tax	(233)	31
Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,540	3,376
Net amount recognized	(3,354)	(3,101)
Accumulated benefit obligation	(16,469)	(14,029)
US [Member] | Pension [Member]
Accrued benefit liability	(1,605)	(1,759)
Deferred tax	6
Accumulated other comprehensive income	82	89
Net amount recognized	(1,517)	(1,670)
Accumulated benefit obligation	(1,605)	(1,759)
US [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Accrued benefit liability	(882)	(1,497)
Deferred tax	269
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(283)	210
Net amount recognized	(896)	(1,287)
Accumulated benefit obligation	(882)	(1,498)
US [Member]
Accrued benefit liability	(2,487)	(3,256)
Deferred tax	275
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(201)	299
Net amount recognized	(2,413)	(2,957)
Accumulated benefit obligation	(2,487)	(3,257)
Pension [Member]
Accrued benefit liability	(9,266)	(8,267)
Deferred tax	(227)	31
Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,622	3,465
Net amount recognized	(4,871)	(4,771)
Accumulated benefit obligation	(18,074)	(15,788)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Accrued benefit liability	(882)	(1,497)
Deferred tax	269
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(283)	210
Net amount recognized	(896)	(1,287)
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ (882)	$ (1,498)