Note 6 - Pension and Retirement Plans (Detail) - Components of net periodic benefit costs (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Pension [Member] | Foreign [Member]
Pension:
Service cost	$ 15	$ 16
Interest cost	173	179
Expected return on plan assets	(104)	(104)
Amortization of net gain	36	22
Net periodic benefit cost	120	113
Pension [Member] | US [Member]
Pension:
Service cost		3
Interest cost	16	21
Amortization of net gain	6	7
Net periodic benefit cost	22	31
Pension [Member]
Pension:
Service cost	15	19
Interest cost	189	200
Expected return on plan assets	(104)	(104)
Amortization of net gain	42	29
Net periodic benefit cost	142	144
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | US [Member]
Pension:
Interest cost	9	18
Amortization of net gain	(46)	17
Net periodic benefit cost	(37)	35
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Pension:
Interest cost	9	18
Amortization of net gain	(46)	17
Net periodic benefit cost	$ (37)	$ 35